Hitachi
Hitachi Ltd, like Black & Decker, is not only engaged in the production of construction tools. In fact, it is a conglomerate that makes everything from batteries and screens to construction equipment and aircraft components. It bought power tools maker Metabo in 2015, but sold it (as well as the Hitachi brand itself) to investment fund KKR in 2021.
The company has since been in the process of rebranding, renaming its US division Hitachi Power Tools USA to Metabo HPT. It offers angle grinders, impact drivers, drills, and other tools you'd expect from a reputable manufacturer.
And in Europe and Asia, tools manufactured by Hitachi are offered under the Hikoki brand.
Chinese household class
AEG
The German brand, famous in past decades, has undergone a rebirth and the transfer of production to China. Products are gradually returning to the shelves of construction stores in the inexpensive price segment.
DEKO
The jointly produced Malaysian-Chinese power tool performs well in its work. The company also produces construction equipment. It is unlikely to be able to compete with European and American brands, but as an inexpensive alternative the product is quite acceptable.
WORX
One of the most popular brands of power tools was founded by Positec Tool Corporation in 1994 in the Chinese city of Suzhou.
Prior to founding the Worx brand, Positec sold OEM power tools to other brands and companies, including Black & Decker. But as Positec grew, it decided to launch its own brand to become an independent retailer of power tools. All production is carried out in-house, and this has led the brand to create flagship products that take the concept of “Chinese quality” to a new, positive level.
Ryobi
Ryobi manufactures a wide range of tools, including a variety of power tools and products for the automotive market. Ryobi is headquartered in Japan, although the company has manufacturing facilities throughout the world.
Due to its affordable pricing policy, Ryobi products are mainly used by home craftsmen. Therefore, you should be aware that Ryobi tools are not as durable and reliable as tools made by professional brands.
However, this is a very good brand of construction tools, with a huge number of positive reviews. And, unless you spend five days a week on a dusty construction site or shop that requires powerful, water- and dust-resistant tools, buy the right Ryobi product with confidence.
Industrial grade
MILWAUKEE
The reliability of these American-made products is beyond doubt. Instruments of this brand can be recognized by their typical colors - red and black, as well as by a fairly high price. Despite the high cost, the models are in demand for business use, and some products offered by MILWAUKEE are not available from competitors.
FESTOOL
The tools of this company have a very high price, but their work is almost perfect. The products are in demand by construction companies, for which quality and reliability are the main priorities. They are able to recoup the enormous costs of the tool in the shortest possible time.
HILTI
Another brand that is in demand by industrial companies. The cost of power tools and components is high, but justified.
Einhell
The seventh place in the ranking of the best and most reliable manufacturers of construction tools in 2021 is occupied by a German brand that is very similar to Ryobi in terms of selection, price and quality.
Picky Russian users recommend choosing blue Einhell brand tools (Einhell Global) for home and semi-professional work, since yellow ones (Einhell Bavaria) are inexpensive and mediocre in terms of service life and characteristics from Chinese products.
Black&Decker
One of the oldest and perhaps the most famous brands on the list of the best construction tool companies. In 2021, the company celebrated its 175th anniversary in business, and its global revenue fell just short of $14 billion.
The organization's roots go back to 1843, when Frederick Stanley opened his shop in New Britain for the production of door hinges, deadbolts and other hardware. In 1910, Duncan Black and Alonzo Decker started a similar business in Baltimore, Maryland. A hundred years later, the two manufacturers merged to form the group that exists today.
Currently, Stanley Black & Decker sells 50 tools per second worldwide (according to company estimates).
An interesting fact: with the help of a Black&Decker drill, the Americans extracted samples of lunar soil. In addition, the company's engineers were behind the development of many tools, without which the work of modern builders is unthinkable - the first drill with a pistol grip and trigger mechanism, as well as the first compact compressor.
DEWALT
The American brand DeWalt, which offers a wide range of quality and high-tech power tools, repair accessories and garden equipment, was created in 1922 by Raymond DeWalt. This engineer came up with the idea of creating a radial console saw, which for many years became a model of quality and durability.
The company was acquired by Black & Decker in 1960. After initially struggling to gain traction among professionals who viewed Black & Decker as an "amateur brand," the company embarked on what would become a highly successful rebranding effort. This happened in the early 1990s and positioned DeWalt as the brand of choice for professionals. Today it is one of the flagship brands of Stanley Black & Decker, included in the Fortune 500 list.
Professional class
MAKITA
Japanese products are the most in demand in the post-Soviet space. The equipment of this brand is reliable; both professionals and household consumers resort to its help. The prices for the products are moderate, and you can be sure that MAKITA products will last for many years.
DEWALT
The equipment of this American company is in demand mainly abroad. But craftsmen who start using DEWALT power tools most often do not change their preferences.
AEG
Tools from the German company AEG are loved by Russian users due to their good price-quality ratio.
Currently, the AEG brand is actively used by the Electrolux Group, which produces top-end household and kitchen appliances under it at factories in Poland, Hungary and Italy, as well as by TTI, a company from Hong Kong that has a license agreement for the production of hand tools under the AEG brand. TTI also owns Milwaukee, Ryobi, Homelite, Hoover, Dirt Devil and Vax (a vacuum cleaner manufacturer).
Interesting fact: it was AEG that created the first electric hair dryer and coined this word.
Protool
The Czech manufacturer has proven itself to be of high quality for reasonable money. The brand produces a wide range of drills, milling cutters, mixers, grinders, screwdrivers, etc. Production is carried out on modern lines with high-precision equipment, so the quality of the finished product is the highest.
The company's tools are reliable and durable, can be used in all areas of repair and finishing work, and the use of microprocessor control systems ensures high precision of tool operation. Much has been done in the area of equipment safety and ergonomics.
Recently, Protool products have changed their design slightly and began to be produced under the Festool . All consumables for the new tool can be used as before. High quality and a wide range are also here to stay.
Metabo
Metabo tools are valued all over the world for their excellent performance, power and durability. They are on the high end of the price range, with other brands like DeWalt and Makita offering better choices overall. Despite this, if you like the brand's products and you can afford them, there is no reason not to buy.
Please note that Metabo and Metabo HPT are not the same thing. The first brand produces professional industrial tools, as well as tools designed for working with metal. And Metabo HPT products belong to the semi-professional and amateur sectors.
Types of power tools
Power tools
Brands that produce power tools create them in lines depending on the scope of application:
- domestic;
- semi-professional;
- professional;
- industrial.
Therefore, before going to the store, you should carefully study the classification and determine in which segment to look for a device for yourself.
Household tools are the most common. They are designed for routine work in the house, which determined their main technical characteristics - average power and limited loads. Various items are produced in this segment:
- screwdrivers;
- jigsaws;
- “Bulgarians” and more.
Semi-professional models are a transitional link between household and professional tools. They also have average power but can withstand prolonged use. The range of devices is quite large, so they are often purchased for workshops and work in various organizations.
Important! Experts recommend semi-professional tools for home repairs. If large-scale and lengthy work is planned, then household models may not be able to cope.
Professional devices are manufactured for use in the most difficult conditions. Their production is based on the most modern technologies, they are powerful and can withstand long-term continuous operation. The range of instruments of this type is maximally expanded. It includes not only items found in the household segment, but also construction hair dryers, various types of machines and more.
Industrial tools are extremely expensive. They have an increased margin of safety and enormous power. Most often, such models are produced taking into account the requirements in a particular industry. A number of positions are multifunctional and allow you to solve assigned tasks with a minimum amount of tools.
Makita
This Japanese brand has become a household name in the power tool sector. Founded in 1915 as an electric motor repair company, Makita is best known for paving the way for certain power tools and cordless appliances since the late 1950s.
In 1958, it entered the power tool sector with the introduction of its portable electric plane. Just over a decade later, the company introduced its 6500D cordless drill, which became the world's first cordless power tool.
Today, Makita offers a full line of cordless tools, including screwdrivers, hammer drills, angle grinders, planes and tin snips.
Makita brand construction tools can be found in more than 40 countries around the world. Its products are manufactured in 10 manufacturing plants located in Brazil, China, Japan, Mexico, Romania, UK, Germany and the USA.
Hilti
Between Austria and Switzerland lies the small German-speaking state of Liechtenstein. It is known as a tax haven in the financial community and is also home to Hilti, one of the world's most respected power tool manufacturers.
For a long time, Hilti's best tools were electro-pneumatic rotary hammers. In fact, the company was the first to introduce this tool to the market back in 1967.
Even today, Hilti's best-known products are rotary hammers, which come in their signature red boxes. However, the company's portfolio includes many other power tools that can be useful to construction industry professionals.
Festool
This company is a pioneer in the production of portable chainsaws. Festool engineers created the first such tool back in 1927.
Festool is currently a subsidiary of the TTS Tooltechnic Systems holding company. It is still based in Germany (in the city of Wendlingen am Neckar), but has its enterprises in 26 countries.
The high quality, reliability and convenience of Festool products have allowed the brand to take its place among the world's leading manufacturers of power tools for woodworking. Also, drills, screwdrivers, grinders and other products of this brand are widely used in car repair shops around the world.
Please note that Festool tools are application-specific and intended exclusively for professional use. Therefore, they are not cheap, even more expensive than DeWalt.
Rating of manufacturers of household power tools by reliability
Reliability is what users value and look for most in different brands. Therefore, for many, this factor is considered key when choosing a manufacturer.
BOSCH
German brand BOSCH
Perhaps the most famous German brand. It has several areas of work and one of them is power tools. They are produced in two lines:
- household;
- professional.
The company was founded in the 80s of the 19th century by an engineer, whose last name became the name of the brand. BOSCH has developed at a rapid pace, expanding its product range every decade. Currently, the company is part of the world's largest concern. Its production facilities are located in more than 10 countries.
Power tools are not produced in Russia, but factories for assembling household appliances are located here. The brand also has its own representative office in the Russian Federation.
Users often choose this brand. Many have been using his tool for years and consider it the best in the segment. But in recent years, other companies have entered the market, which in terms of technical parameters are significantly ahead of BOSCH products. Therefore, the brand is gradually losing its position, although it still occupies a leading position.
AEG
German brand AEG
Another German brand that has maintained its position for many decades. It was founded at the end of the 19th century and specialized in mechanical engineering. Gradually, the range of products expanded, and they began to be exported to different countries.
Today the company is part of a concern that produces all items in the segments of electronics, large and small household appliances and others. The concern's factories are located all over the world. But there are none on Russian territory. But numerous representative offices of the brand have been opened in the Russian Federation.
The brand is well known to users. They claim that the tools of this brand are extremely expensive, but at the same time they are of the highest quality. They are produced in different lines, so consumers choose models depending on their own needs. But many people notice that not the entire range of products is represented in the regions, which significantly narrows the range of choice.
BLACK+DECKER
American brand BLACK+DECKER
An American brand that emerged at the beginning of the 20th century. It was organized by two engineers and represented a small mechanical workshop. 7 years after the discovery, the founders managed to invent an electric drill of a type familiar to modern users. This was the beginning of the company's successful march around the world.
In subsequent years, it absorbed numerous small brands, which allowed it to quickly develop and occupy new niches. The brand's product range includes not only power tools, but also household appliances and garden equipment. Almost all items are assembled in the USA. A small percentage is produced in China. There is no official representative office of the company in Russia.
Users leave positive reviews about the tool of this brand. They note that it 100% meets modern needs. In addition, all devices are durable, reliable and easy to use. However, in the event of a breakdown, it is difficult to find original spare parts for them.
Ingco
Brand Ingco
Not the most famous brand in Russia, which is just conquering its consumers. It originated in China about 12 years ago and has already proven itself to be a manufacturer with a high level of reliability. It is interesting that the company was immediately created with a narrow specialization - the production of power tools.
The brand is growing steadily. She constantly updates and expands her range. In addition, the engineering team regularly introduces improvements, which has a positive impact on customer demand. All models are certified according to the European standard, so the company exports its products to different countries around the world, including the EU.
All tools are produced only in China at a high-tech enterprise. There are no official representative offices of the brand in Russia, but it is represented quite widely.
There are few product reviews yet. But most Russians praise her. They highly value technology, functionality and thoughtful ergonomics. There are no complaints about the operation of the tool. But the most cautious of the owners note that so far no one has used the products of this brand for more than 5 years. This means that it is too early to draw final conclusions.
Bison
Brand Zubr
Many Russians prefer this brand. It was created about 19 years ago and includes several brands. But almost all power tools are produced under the original name “Bison”.
The company's products have gained popularity thanks to a serious approach to the development of all models. For this purpose, we have our own design bureau and testing laboratory. At each stage of production, the tools are tested, which gives the buyer confidence in the reliability of the purchased equipment.
Production facilities are located in China. But the factories employ mainly Russian specialists.
Users evaluate tools differently. Most praise them for their functionality, affordable cost and decent quality. Others note that many models are unfinished, and working units fail even under minimal load. It is not always possible to return a tool under warranty, since the manufacturer provides conditions in the documents that the consumer is simply unable to fulfill.
SPARKY
Large German brand SPARKY
A large German brand created for the construction industry and related segments. The brand appeared at the beginning of the last century, and in 1996 it absorbed a Bulgarian company specializing in the production of power tools. It was created in the 60s of the last century. The base was an engine production plant that has existed since the beginning of the 20th century.
This made it possible to extend its influence throughout Eastern Europe and the countries of the former Soviet Union. Currently, the range of power tools exceeds 100 items. All models are developed in our own laboratories using innovative technologies. Each tool undergoes a multi-stage test and is certified. There are no official representative offices of the brand on the territory of the Russian Federation.
Users often write that they are a little wary of the tools of this brand. But they are not justified, since the devices are reliable and affordable.
PATRIOT
American brand PATRIOT
A relatively new American brand that has been on the market for no more than 20 years. It operates in three main lines: power tools, garden equipment and tools for auto garages.
The company is developing dynamically. But it became famous for its reliable engines, which are installed on all models. Their advantages also include durability and cost-effectiveness. All devices are assembled at production facilities located in China. The company does not have representative offices in Russia.
Owners praise the brand, noting its affordability and high quality. They also point to the wide range and durability of the devices.
Milwaukee
E.F. Siebert founded the Milwaukee company in 1924, and since then it has gone through numerous changes of ownership. The last of them occurred in 2005, Techtronic Industries (TTI) became the new owner of the brand.
Milwaukee initially rose to prominence with the Hole Shooter, the world's first lightweight, one-handed drill with a 1/4-inch chuck. However, today the company offers dozens of different construction tools of the highest quality.
In addition to corded and gas tools, Milwaukee offers cordless tools in three platforms—M12 System (12V), M18 System (18V) and MX FUEL (72V).
Like DeWalt, Milwaukee is a brand that is very popular among professional builders because its products are built to last and can withstand the harshest environments.
The best carpentry tool sets
Almost all plumbing and carpentry enthusiasts have special requirements for hand tools. A locksmith kit must have a complete set of different clamping, jaw, adjustable and cap elements. Verified carpentry supplies are especially needed for processing, measuring and marking workpieces.
Hitachi 705315M
Budget tool kit in a suitcase, including 112 locksmith items. The plastic suitcase is not durable and has frankly weak latches. According to experts, the selection includes an insufficient selection of drills and a smaller number of bits.
Case contents: handle for bits, bits 50 pcs, socket heads 18 pcs, drills 35 pcs. (for concrete, metal, wood). Flexible extension for 280 mm heads. In addition, the home mechanic will find a multi-blade countersink here.
Advantages
- Low cost;
- Rich number of items;
- Long service life;
- Reliable fixation of items in the suitcase.
Flaws
- No hex keys;
- There is no universal joint.
Despite the rather low cost, many users note that for the same money you can purchase a better option.
Kraftool 25556-H43
The best budget plumbing and carpentry kit, including only the necessary elements in the amount of 43 pieces. Reliable German quality at an affordable price. Each element is securely fixed. Durable body, tight latches. Contents: handle for bits, bits 30 pcs, socket heads 7 pcs, drills 3 pcs. Nothing superfluous, a lot of attachments, three screwdriver modes.
Advantages
- Compact case;
- Light weight;
- Everything is only the most necessary;
- Durable tool quality.
Flaws
- No loops;
- There is no socket head for 13.
According to user reviews, the hinges of the case do not stand up to criticism - there is ordinary plastic on the bend. With regular use, the plastic wears out quickly.
Bosch
The German company Bosch tops the list of the largest power tool manufacturers in the world. The company was originally called Werkstätte für Feinmechanik und Elektrotechnik, which translates as “precision mechanics and electrical engineering workshop.” Today it is one of the largest conglomerates in Germany, whose activities are divided into four sectors:
- mobile solutions,
- industrial technologies,
- consumer goods,
- energy and construction technologies.
The Bosch power tools line belongs to the consumer products division, which accounts for about 23% of the Bosch group's total sales. The power tools division includes: hammer drills, cordless screwdrivers, jigsaws, lawn mowers, hedge trimmers and pressure washers.
