The Best Tools for Contractors

As a professional contractor or DIY enthusiast, choosing the best tools for the job can make all the difference in the quality of your work. Investing in the right high-quality tools is the best way to ensure your company's success. Explore some of the best tool brands for contractors with this in-depth look.

The Benefits of Investing in High-Quality Tools 

For contractors and business owners, your tools are how you conduct your business, so investing in high-quality tools is important.

If you’re a professional, start with a brand that creates tools that will last and can withstand heavy use. That way, your tools will keep up with your craftsmanship and workflow.

Because DIYers don’t use their tools as much as professionals do, they have more brands to choose from and can purchase affordable tools that still deliver quality.

Whether you are a home hobbyist, a serious DIYer, or a professional, there are many benefits of investing in high-quality tools:

Longer lifespan: High-quality tools last longer as do their accessories and components, like batteries.

Improved safety: Quality tools are often made with better ergonomics and construction, reducing the potential for injury to the user. 

Reliability: The best tools are reliable, so you have fewer interruptions and increased productivity.

State-of-the-art technology: The top brands stay on top of cutting-edge trends in your industry, so you’ll always be able to purchase the best new tools when they become available.

Best Tool Brands for DIYers & Home Owners 

Here are the top five tool brands with pros and cons for each.

Craftsman 

Main Pro: 

Decent tool selection 

Main Con: 

Not as well made as they used to be, but they’re fine for most DIYers

Craftsman has been a well-known brand of tools for the home, lawn, and garden space since 1927. They were known for their unlimited lifetime warranty, which has now changed to a 25-year warranty. In 2017, Craftsman was purchased by Stanley Black & Decker, which is the same company that owns DeWalt tools. 

Kobalt

Pros: 

Good quality for the pricepoint

Cons: 

Not as durable under harsh working conditions

Because Kobalt is Lowe’s house brand, it is less expensive than other tool brands. They have a wide selection of tools for DIY home improvement projects and the price-to-value ratio is better than most, so they are popular among homeowners.

Ryobi  

Pros: 

Highly affordable, with one of the best selections of battery-powered tools

Cons: 

Less heavy-duty than other major tool brands

Ryobi stands up to any challenges that most homeowners and DIYers can present. It’s a middle-tier tool brand that isn’t meant to be pushed as hard as professional tools, but they have a great selection at incredible prices.

Metabo 

Pros: 

Best tools for semi-professionals

Cons: 

Pricier, with a smaller tool selection than some brands  

Affordability meets dependability with the Metabo brand. Even though these tools are marketed to homeowners, they are durable enough for many contractors. They are leaders in battery technology and have a hassle-free warranty program.

Hart 

Pros: 

Perfect for small home projects

Cons: 

Only available at Walmart and walmart.com

Like Milwaukee, Ryobi, and many other household brands, Hart power tools are manufactured by Techtonic Industries. They are sold exclusively at Walmart and have a great price-to-value ratio. They have a good selection of battery-powered tools and a wide range of hand tools, making them a leading choice for home mechanics.

Best Tools for Contractors and Other Professionals 

Professionals need different kinds of tools that can handle a lot of use. If you’re looking for the best power tool brands, the ones on this list beat the competition in every category.

Milwaukee

Pros:

Ergonomic designs and anti-slip gripping surfaces

Cons:

More expensive than other brands

Known for their durability, Milwaukee brand tools are the top choice for professionals like plumbers, electricians, and metalworkers. Milwaukee has the best cordless tools for contractors, and they have a wide variety of power and hand tools for every job.

Dewalt 

Pros:

High-quality and dependable

Cons:

Impact wrenches and drills don’t have the power and speed to outcompete other brands

DeWalt has an excellent lineup of power and hand tools with good performance and reliability across the board. There are over 200 tools in the 18V product line, and the new 20V Max is designed for compact power and offers an even better selection with a wide range of tools for various applications. 

Makita

Pros:

Good reputation and innovative technology geared toward professionals

Cons:

More expensive than many other brands

Makita’s new standalone 40V system of tools is a game changer. It delivers more power and torque, and this new line of power tools is built for industrial applications and can withstand tough environmental conditions. To top it off, Makita competes with Milwaukee and DeWalt in every category and has lower prices.

Ridgid

Pros:

Good quality for the price, with a great warranty

Cons:

Battery life is average, not suited for heavy-duty jobs

Ridgid is another brand in the Techtonic Industries portfolio, and they’ve been making some of the most reliable and affordable tools for years. They are more affordable than the top three power tool brands for contractors but deliver quality at a great price. They are one of the best tool brands for woodworkers, and they recently added to their lineup of available power tools.

Bosch 

Pros:

Good quality, good reputation, and more affordable

Cons:

They don’t have as wide a tool selection as other brands

Bosch is a well-known German brand that makes rock-solid quality tools, and for professionals and serious DIYers, Bosch power tools offer a budget-friendly choice. With their next-gen Lithium-ion battery technology, they have a lot of decent 18V tools available, and they are often the best choice when it comes to corded power tools. 

What to Look for When Buying Tools 

Choosing the best power tool for a job on a construction site is a lot different than finding the best hand tools for mechanics. But in general, you’ll want to pay attention to the same key factors when making decisions about which tools to buy for your project.

Tool Quality & Price

Quality should be the number one thing you’re looking for when purchasing any tool. Look for signs of durability in the construction, like high-quality materials and a precise fit between the parts. 

Price should be considered next, and most of the time, a higher price has a direct correlation to better quality tools, but that’s not always the case. Still, don’t be afraid to pay more for a higher-quality tool that will last longer.

Brand Popularity

Some tool brands are popular for a reason! Brands can be a good indicator of quality, so try to stick to well-known tool brands when making a purchase. Many brands will offer tools specifically designed for their line of products, so it is important to understand how specific tools fit into their lineup. 

Warranty & Repair Policies

Most tool companies stand behind their products and offer warranties or repair policies in case of a defect or malfunction. Make sure to read the fine print on a company’s warranty before making a purchase. Usually, a tool with a longer warranty and repair policy is a higher quality tool.

Customer Reviews

Most tool retailers offer customer reviews or ratings on their websites to show what buyers say about a product. Take the time to read through these reviews and assess the overall customer experience. 

Generally, the higher the reviews, the better the tool will be. Remember that one tool might work for one person and their project but may not work for you and your project. 

Battery vs. Corded

When it comes to battery-powered tools vs. corded power tools, some brands meet quality standards in both categories, while others are better at one or the other. You can pick and choose the best brand for your project with corded tools, but with battery-powered tools, it’s easier to stay with one brand. Some brands, like Ryobi, have a solid lineup of battery-powered tools, but there is nothing exceptional about their corded counterparts. 

Run through SEObility & Grammarly: 

The Best Tools for Contractors & DIYers

As a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, choosing the best tools for the job can make all the difference in the quality of your work. You need the right tools for the job, and the best way to ensure the success of your company is by investing in a high-quality brand with tools designed to last. Explore the various brands and products with this in-depth look at the best tools for contractors.

The Benefits of Investing in High-Quality Tools 

For contractors and business owners, your tools are how you conduct your business, so investing in high-standard tools is important. 

People often buy branded power tools for compelling deals, but cross-compatibility issues with battery-powered tools can lead to inferior brand limitations.

If you’re a professional, start with a brand that lets you invest in the resources of your company as you grow and stick with it. That way, your tools will keep up with your experience level, craftsmanship, and customer base growth, and you can continue to add to your tool collection as you grow.

Diligent DIYers do not push their tools like professionals do, day after day, in all types of weather. As a result, homeowners have a broader selection of reputable brands available and can opt for affordable tools that offer exceptional quality.  

When choosing the best tool brands for mechanics or corded power tools, you can select the right tool from any brand. You don’t need to stay loyal to any particular tool company because they all have strengths and weaknesses. 

Whether you are a home hobbyist, a serious DIYer, or a professional, here are some of the other benefits of investing in high-quality tools:

Longer lifespan: High-quality tools last longer, and so do their accessories and components, like batteries.

Improved safety: Quality tools are often made with better ergonomics and construction, reducing the potential for injury to the user. 

Reliability: The best tools are reliable, so you have fewer interruptions and increased productivity. You want to get products that will last and be worth the money. 

State-of-the-art technology: The top brands stay on top of cutting-edge trends in your industry, so you’ll always be able to purchase the best new tools when they become available.

Best Tools for DIYers & Home Owners 

Starting with the best tool brands for DIYers and homeowners, here are the top five, with pros and cons for each brand.

Craftsman 

Pros: 

Craftsman has a decent tool selection and is known for being long-lasting.

Cons: 

Craftsman tools may not possess the same level of craftsmanship as they did in the past, but they are suitable for most DIY enthusiasts.

Craftsman has been a well-known brand of tools for the home, lawn, and garden space since 1927. They are perhaps best known for their unlimited lifetime warranty, which changed in 2012 to 25 years. In 2017, Craftsman was purchased by Stanley Black & Decker, which is the same company that owns DeWalt tools. 

Kobalt 

Pros: 

Kobalt has equipment where their quality is in alignment with their price point 

Cons: 

Kobalt tools are not as durable under harsh working conditions

Kobalt is owned by Lowe’s, which is one of the most popular hardware retail chains in the United States. Because Kobalt is Lowe’s house brand, it is less expensive than other tool brands. However, they have a wide selection of tools for DIY home improvement projects, and the price-to-value ratio is better than most, so they are popular among homeowners.

Ryobi  

Pros: 

Ryobi is highly affordable, with one of the best selections of cordless tools, products, and equipment. 

Cons: 

Less robust than other major tool brands

Many people look down on the Ryobi brand, perhaps because it is one of the most affordable brands. Ryobi stands up to any challenges that most homeowners and DIYers can present. As a middle-tier tool brand, Ryobi tools are not designed to withstand the same level of use as professional-grade tools. Thanks to their diverse product selection and competitive pricing, Ryobi is often utilized on job sites.

Metabo 

Pros: 

Best tools for semi-professionals

Cons: 

Pricier, with a smaller tool selection than some brands  

Affordability meets dependability with the Metabo brand, and even though these tools are marketed to homeowners, they are durable enough for many contractors. Started by a young German man in his parent’s bakery in 1924, the growth of the company has been organic, and they have a wide selection of quality tools. This company is known as one of the leaders in battery technology and has a hassle-free warranty program.

Hart 

Pros: 

Perfect for small home projects

Cons: 

Only available at Walmart and walmart.com

Like Milwaukee, Ryobi, and many other household brands, Hart power tools are manufactured by Techtonic Industries. They are sold exclusively at Walmart and are well-known for being affordable. While you might be able to find tools at a lower price, you won’t be able to match the price-to-value ratio of Hart tools. They have a good selection of cordless tools and a wide range of hand tools, making them a leading choice for home mechanics.

Best Tools for Contractors and Other Professionals 

Different professionals need different kinds of tools, and you’re not likely to find the best wrench in the same brand as the best cordless drill. However, if you’re looking for the best power tool brands, the ones on this list beat the competition in every category.

Milwaukee 

Pros:

Milwaukee tools have ergonomic designs and anti-slip gripping surfaces. Milwaukee also has lots of cordless options to choose from.

Cons:

Milwaukee is more expensive than other brands.

Milwaukee brand tools are known for their durability, making them the top choice for professionals in tough trades, like plumbers, electricians, and metalworkers. Milwaukee has the best cordless tools for contractors, and they have a wide variety of power and hand tools for every job.

DeWalt 

Pros:

The DeWalt brand has been dependable for decades. DeWalt is also the most trusted brand for people considering the purchase of hand tools. 

Cons:

DeWalt has impact wrenches and drills don’t have the power and speed to outcompete other brands and equipment. DeWalt products can also be expensive and heavy to use.

DeWalt has an excellent lineup of power and hand tools with good performance and reliability across the board. There are over 200 tools in the 18V product line, and the new 20V Max is designed for compact power and offers an even better selection with a wide range of tools for various applications. 

Makita

Pros:

Makita has a good reputation and innovative technology geared toward professionals. 

Cons:

Makita is more expensive than n many other brands. 

Makita has a new standalone 40V system of tools that is a game changer. It delivers more power and torque, and this new line of power tools is built for industrial applications and can withstand tough environmental conditions. To top it off, Makita competes with Milwaukee and DeWalt in every category, and Makita is the company that has lower prices.

Ridgid:

Pros:

Rigid has good quality for the price of the equipment, with a great warranty

Cons:

Battery life is average, not suited for heavy-duty jobs. If you want a tool that will last for long periods of time, you should get another tool from another company. 

Ridgid is another brand in the Techtonic Industries portfolio, and they’ve been making some of the most reliable and affordable tools for years. They are more affordable than the top three power tool brands for contractors but deliver quality at a great price. They are one of the best tool brands for woodworkers, and they recently added to their lineup of available power tools.

Bosch 

Pros:

Good quality, good reputation, and more affordable

Cons:

They don’t have as wide a tool selection as other brands

Bosch is a well-known German brand that makes rock-solid quality tools, and for professionals and serious DIYers, Bosch power tools offer a budget-friendly choice. With their next-gen Lithium-ion battery technology, they have a lot of decent 18V tools available, and they are often the best choice when it comes to corded power tools. 

What to Look for When Buying Tools 

Choosing the best power tool for a job on a construction site is a lot different than finding the best hand tools for mechanics. In general, you’ll want to pay attention to the same crucial factors when buying tools for your project. 

Tool Quality & Price

Quality should be the main thing to consider when purchasing any tool. Look for signs of durability in the construction, like high-quality materials and a precise fit between the parts. 

Next, price should be considered, and while higher prices often indicate better quality tools, it is not always the case. 

Still, don’t be afraid to pay more for a higher-quality tool from a higher-quality company that will last longer.

Brand Popularity

Some tool brands are popular for a reason! Brands can be a good indicator of quality, so try to stick to well-known tool brands when making a purchase. For example, some brands might be known for having cordless tools compared to corded tools. Many brands will offer tools specifically designed for their line of products, so it is important to understand how specific tools fit into their lineup. 

Warranty & Repair Policies

Most tool companies stand behind their products and offer warranties or repair policies in case of a defect or malfunction. Make sure to read the fine print on the warranty provided by the company before making a purchase. Usually, a tool with a longer warranty and repair policy is a higher quality tool.

Customer Reviews

Most tool retailers offer customer reviews or ratings on their websites to show what buyers say about a product. Take the time to read through these company reviews and assess the overall customer experience. 

Generally, the higher the reviews, the better the tool will be. Remember that one tool might work for one person and their project but may not work for you and your project. 

Battery vs. Corded

When it comes to battery-powered (cordless) tools vs. corded power tools, some products meet quality standards in both categories, while others are better at one or the other. You can pick and choose the best brand for your project with corded tools, but with cordless battery-powered tools, it’s easier to stay with one brand. Some brands, like Ryobi, have a solid lineup of cordless tools and equipment, but there is nothing exceptional about their corded counterparts.