How to Choose the Right Tool Brand!
Choosing a Tool Brand is an expensive decision, and it pays to get it right.
Instagram: @Tinkerwithtools
TIkTok: @tinkerwithtools
Gear I Use:
Camera: Sony ZV-E10 https://amzn.to/3Z3IEoA (Affiliate Link)
Lens: Sigma 16mm f/1.4 https://amzn.to/3jIrEUU (Affiliate Link)
Microphone: Rode Wireless Go II https://amzn.to/3VBg9eY (Affiliate Link)
Lighting: Neweer LED Softbox Lighting https://amzn.to/3G5Yvui (Affiliate Link)
Tripod: Magnus VT-400 https://amzn.to/3IgfOeY (Affiliate Link)
Legal:
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network, Amazon Associates, etc.
I’ve got several tool brands I have used in my shop – Makita, M12, Bosch, Flex, Ryobi – though I got into Flex on founders warranty and have luckily accumulated the turbo drill, compact router, the variable speed grinder and a few stacked lithium batteries for a number under the list price of any one of those tools. I know in the US many people love dewalt and milwaukee (Personally adore the m12 installation driver, staple gun and others), but I have found that Makita & Bosch make the most comfortable, robust, and precise tools out there. Unfortunately, they both benefit from far superior marketing, tool releases, and general innovation in the overseas market. Cant go wrong with most of these brands, just my two cents.
I’m on a few platforms. I have some corded tools, which being a homeowner it helps to just plug in and have unlimited run time.
I have Kobalt and Ryobi as my two main platforms. Kobalt tools are all Brushless since that’s all they make. I have some brushed Ryobi tools for once and a while use. I also have a few lawn and garden deals I picked up for Ryobi. I have a DeWalt Impact and Driver kit, but I abandoned DeWalt when I saw the prices of their bare tools. Kobalt was cheaper $250 for 3 tools, flashlight, a 4ah battery, charger and a 4th free tool of my choosing in Black Friday 2022. I wanted a Sawzall and it was going to cost me about $200 for just a DeWalt Sawzall and a 4ah battery or close to $200, so I abandoned them to get the Kobalt kit for $250 and get way more tools.
I run 18v Ryobi for garden tools and random tools like my oscillating tool. I hate the ones Kobalt and DeWalt make. I have a pressure washer, orbital buffer, hand vacuum, and a brushless leaf blower.
With Ryobi and Kobalt I can pick and choose good deals and with DeWalt I can if needed buy something more professional if needed. I love my DeWalt Atomic drills just the rest of the platform can be expensive to maintain even just buying their brushed tools.
The biggest single asset you will own will be the battery set you need to allow a days work. Splitting this up into 2 sets means you cannot do this without expending a lot of money. So do not ignore using battery adapters thus maintaining only a single set but being able to use multiple makes of tools. I have gone with Makita but have 2 x Milwaukee impact wrenches which I got a very good prices (bare tool only no batteries or chargers). A pair of inexpensive adapters allows me to use my Makita batteries with both makes thus allowing me to keep a larger quantity of Makita batteries. Using multiple manufacturers is just a waste of the worlds resources (assuming you even care).
I’m on 4 platforms i find metabo hpt to be the best value of them all. Have a few makita 40v or XGT tools would of gone with milwaukee but I really done care for most of there saws other then the tracksaw they got that one right. But it wasn’t on the market when i bought my makita 40v track saw.
Great advice on the sales to look for.
Tinker with tools, not to be confused with tweakers with tools.
I prefer milwaukees m12 range. it’s very compact and built to last. All tools have their cons unless its made by festool or snap-on because those 2 are in a league of their own
Like your review and reasoning. I’ve been able to cut it down to only 6 platforms. Milwaukee, 12 and 18 volt Makita 18 & 40 volt, DeWalt, Bosch, Ryobi, Metabo HPT, and one remaining Rigid 71/4 inch sliding compound miter saw, I just can’t seem to part with 😅😁
I might have a problem here, or not!
I like hitting flea markets where I look for made in USA hand tools and proven quality power tools. Having multiple chargers is not a problem for me.
Rainbow 🌈 tool collection is the only way to go for the best of the best tool collections.
Currently on some Black and Deckers that I got on sale on amazon, though in the future I have been eying ridget with their lifetime service guarentee. Im in no rush to switch, So I will wait until my current ones were out. I just like the idea of having a "buy once and set forever" powertool brand, like I do with my hand tools.
That being said, I could see having multiple tool brands arpund for different jobs. Thats how I am with my hand tools. I got Icon, gearwrench, dewalt, craftsman, and a random snap on or two. Just whatever tool does the job the best is always a good way to go.
Big difference is a tool you use 15 minutes a couple months and a tool you use 15 minutes every hour
Picked up the Icon set a few weeks ago when it was a bit cheaper. Very happy with it.
Prime example for 2 platforms. My primary is Milwaukee and I need powerful Impacts working on cranes. My secondary is actually Hercules which runs my grease guns band saws and a couple other things where I don’t necessarily need a hugely strong tool. This is good advice
Seems like my biggest weakness will be color OCD 😂😂😂
i dont mind ryobi for certain things but that color wont match anything 😂.
Excellent video, I’m an electrician by trade, my primary platform is Milwaukee, my secondary platform is Ryobi (tools that I use every once in awhile). I don’t see myself switching platforms, but I’ve started to see some Hercules tools on the jobsite and I’m quite impressed with what Harbor Freight has to offer at a lower cost than the other big box stores offer. To be honest, if I were just a DIY weekend warrior, I’d look into checking out Hercules or Bauer. Ryobi and Hart are good platforms for the average DIYer to check out as well. If there isn’t a Home Depot in your area, but you’ve got a Lowe’s, Skil and Craftsman are also very viable options. Avoid Porter-Cable though, despite being Stanley- Black & Decker, their line is getting smaller and smaller.
Say platform again.
I’ve used many brands, dewalt which I had but they had a lot of fit and finish issues especially with the triggers and Milwaukee they have issues with batteries and the molding coming off the tools and Mikita was good but their hammer drill was bulky and their batteries felt like cheap plastic flex yes they are heavy but feel like quality tools and still feel good in the hand
This is probably one of the better videos only one I’ve heard recommend getting hands on time with the tools which is by far the best advice you could give someone. I just started buying tools and doing renovation work like 3 years ago now and I have gotten a few different brands dewalt, ryobi,Milwaukee, and I’ve gotten a few metabo tools on discount. For me as a homeowners I want to eventually get every platform because that way if there is a really good deal I can get it. But I totally understand why a contractor or trades person would want to have 1 maybe 2 platforms at the max. It’s easy though if you just have a charging station where you keep all they different chargers and batteries
I rarely use my tools but the few times that I need them, I like to have everything on me. I just started my tool collection about 2 or 3 years ago and for my hand tools I pretty much bought everything on discount (husky, Kobalt, milwaukee, a couple of toughbuilt items) or at HF (the icon wrench pliers are amazing and a lot cheaper than a Knipex for a DIYer like myself with lifetime warranty) slowly but surely as well as my power tools. I went for the milwaukee m12 platform and I love how many things they have and just how powerful the fuel line is. Maybe if I need something thats cheap or on sale that they make in my platform , I’ll go for the non-fuel version of it. For the tools that I’m only gonna need like once in a blue moon and are either too expensive on the m12 line or they don’t exist in m12, I’ll probably go buy that specific tool in either ryobi or something cheap from harbor freight like I did with my bauer orbital sander. I got it on sale for like $20 (it uses a cord) for sanding some palette wood down for a DIY project about a year and a half ago and haven’t used it since. I ended up buying the m12 fuel oscillating multi tool kit for $99 during the holidays with a free 6 ah battery so that one doubles as a sander and I love using it for cutting random things. Waiting for tool deals is a great way to build your collection and saving your money, especially for DIYers. Thanks for the video! Great advice!!
Personally I’ve had Makita 18v for years and now I’m mixing it with Bosch due to the fact that they have eclipsed makita in thier drill and impact quality. Also the multi tool is lovely and although the starlock isn’t the coolest especially when buying blades its still a great tool. And the sds hammers are still an industry leader. I do have some rypbi with a makita adapter for when I want a cheap knock arounder.
With corded tools it has made sense to me to buy whichever tool I like best – not important to stick to one brand. With battery tools it’s nice to stick with one brand.
Most professional platforms seem to be way less available, which is why I’ll probably end up mostly goung with Ryobi. Also like their commitment to compatible batteries over the years. As an aspiring home tinkerer, I think their quality will be enough.
In hvac, Dewalt gives you everything you need. I would spend the money on dewalt/Milwaukee instead of going to a lower tier company for niche tools.
My dad gifted me a Milwaukee impact driver/drill kit like idk, 6-7 years ago, so I never really had a choice in the matter when it comes to the run of the mill power tools. Granted, my bigger battery power lawn tools and the like have lately all started to slowly but surely become EGO brand. But I’ll never give up my stihl chainsaws
I pick up whatever is on sale😂
Milwaukee m18 and M12 every time…… but here in the UK we get ripped off with the price!!
You can also find adapters for different platforms to keep one style battery.
Buy one with the color you like most 😘
why does every american think dewalt and milwaukee are the best and everything else is a rank below, i use makita and hikoki and they are just so much more comfortable, way cheaper than milwaukee and a bit more expensive than dewalt , just as powerful if not more and way better warrantys, reliability run a lot cooler and have better battery life
Finally someone with the 2-platform advice for the DIY user. I use the more expensive brand X for tools I use often but I also have inexpensive brand Y for tools I don’t use that much or are simply to expensive to justify for me in brand X.
I originally started with red but ended up with more yellow tools just because the deals are better for them
i appreciate the input.. i’m mostly a dewalt user..m12 line to make up the difference and my wife had a few ryobi.. now i don’t feel bad having more than one
I loved this video, especially the 2 brand suggestion. This other video(https://youtu.be/P32PGx2oYPI) on price should be a companion to this video. Right now I am kind of in a weird place with tools. I am a homeowner/low lever diy-er. I want to get into some stuff but I wont be anywhere near using these at a pro level. I currently have 12v milwaukee hammer drill and impact driver and recip. saw. I was thinking of sticking with M12 and getting their oscillating tool but then going with Ryobi for some other less used tools and some of their unique offerings like the power scrubber. I like the m12 for the compactness and light weight and crazy power. I don’t know if i could justify getting some of the m18 tools because they can get costly. Im considering getting rid of my Milwaukee tools and getting a set of Rigid tools that will cover all the needs and keeping Ryobi for those one off/less frequent used. Im very indecisive about this and any input or examples of what folks are using would be greatly appreciated. Also is it bad that I wanted to go with Flex just because it matched my Ego OPE tools? 🤣
DIY-enthusiast/non-pro here. I went back and forth on it forever until I settled on Flex as my main brand with a drill, driver, saw, and sander (things I use the most) because of 1) quality 2) lower cost than Milwaukee/Dewalt XR and 3) lifetime warranty (and, to a slightly smaller extent, 4) the color scheme); and plan to grab Ryobi tools for others that i plan to not use as much–e.g. nailers and other things nice to have at home like the tire inflator, generator, etc.
I really debated on it way too much. Bought the $199 ryobi kit and took it back and ordered the $499 Flex stacked lithium hammer drill, driver, 7 1/4 saw, and 2 battery kit. Still waffle on whether it was the right choice or not and whether I should have gotten over myself and kept the Ryobi kit. Love the Flex tools, though.
“I’m not really talking about hedging against brands going out of business. Most of us are picking from reputable tool brands”
Me sitting here watching this video because I have a bench full of Porter Cable electric tools 😅😅
I don’t know much about theese but ryobi Sawzall is 100% best for your $ all 3 of mine get used and abused daily for the last 7 years. They have outlasted several batteries. I’m sure it’s not a 700$ powerful but for 90$ it punches way above it’s weight. If anyone cares😂 have a fantastic day everyone
I work hvac mostly doing service so running a old brushed m12 impact and drill. But i have alot of ryobi tools at home for wood working. My ryobi multi tool and reciprocating saw constantly go between my truck and garage
Personally I got Metabo for a prime and Bauer as a 2nd for tools not used a lot
Anyone want to buy a gently used m18 surge, so I can upgrade to makita?
I have Ridgid for most tools and a ton of batteries. The LSA is great as a home owner/diy and they are great tools. I have some Dewalt, Bosch and Metabo HPT. And I feel every DIYer needs some Ryobi batteries. For those niche or “fringe” tools that you don’t need to spend big bucks on. ie: fans, glue gun, speaker, some outdoor stuff, etc. They are great for that.
I am DIYer and in my country Makita LXT is quaite cheper then Dewalt9r Milwaukee and comon so my primary platform is mwkita LXT butI agree regarding the bataries, if I will buy secondary platform is Milwaukee 12v becuase what tools I have tried they are awesome.
Dewalt pulls that garbage to confuse the customer. I really don’t appreciate the marketing guys.
Which brand to go for? Whichever brand is having a current deal lol. Get two batteries and get the 845 and 805 for free. Guess I’m a dewalt guy now 🤷🏼♂️
Easy. Look for made in USA. As an American I will always buy American unless there is no option. Only Milwaukee will have some products made in USA. All others are China. Stihl also has products made in USA or Germany. Not China.
Yo. I like the idea of two platforms. I thought we got sorted into one like at Hogwarts.
Ok.. now I have this 12v Black+Decker drill and it literally smoked while I was working with my house’s wall… I was just drilling some screws into… and the smokey happened after 3rd screw.
So, definitely, I need to look for another better brand. I also have this WORX pruning saw which did really good job with my garden trees. So, I was kind of thinking makong WORX as my main brand. But it seems not many big box stores near me are selling this brand. I picked up that WORX saw since it was the perfect fit for my preference. The Milwaukee m12 one was too large for my hand and DeWalt one did not come with charger and batt.
But then… this is drill set I am desperately in need to fix my crumbling wall. So, perhaps I should take a primary brand now then push the WORX to secondary brand? WORX provides many interesting stuffs for garden care tools but those big time drill brands seem to consider garden as secondary. So, I may only buy the drill set. And yet, those premium drill brands are quite expensive. I was looking at the DeWalt Atomic drill combo 20V at HomeDepot since they are similar priced with WORX Nitro which I was planning to at the beginning. But from what I heard, those DeWalt Atomics are quite inferior to XR variants which are almos double in price. I am afraid that those Atomics may end up like the crappy B+D one but XRs are too much.
So yeah, I am not sure what to do.. Aiming for the DeWalt Atomics seems to be the most feasible option for me. And go for WORX for other things such as washers and blowers etc.
Bosch is my primary and Milwaukee is my secondary. EGO for landscaping.
I can’t see why Bosch gets slept on so hard. Everyone that uses my stuff says they wish they weren’t so stuck with their brand. Also, I don’t like people using my stuff at all.
There is an Irish guy that repairs tools on YouTube. He absolutely shits on Milwaukee, says there basically unrepairable, use crap parts and are built poorly. Can’t get replacement parts, last just till warranty ends.
As just a homeowner and DIY person you absolutely have to have RYOBI with the amount of tools and their commitment to bringing everything under the sun to market. I also have BOSCH 18v and 12v for some more serious tools / table /miter saw