When it comes to cordless (i.e. battery) then of course the answer is yes.

I can tell you this - a friend I do some pro work with got into Ryobi tools. This was back when he was assuming he'd have an office job and just use it for home DIY stuff. But when he changed him mind and got into remodeling, that's the tool set he had to use for all his real work. Ryobi is just not up to heavy duty use. Not powerful enough, not sturdy enough. He's been replacing things as needed with DeWalt, bot corded and cordless. All that stuff is up to snuff.

 

A lot depends on why you need the tool. Some tools I won't buy unless I know it's a good brand but if it's something I may not need again - I tend to go cheap.

 

I use Makita, DeWalt and Milwaukee. Mostly big brand names.

BUT if it is for something I may do once a year I use Canadian Tire Mastercraft tools which can be 2/3 the price of the others. They can be a bit bigger and less refined but if you only use a router a couple times a year then theirs works just as well. Routers are very expensive. All depends on much you plan to use it and whether size and some extra features really matter.

Home Depot BUT if I can get the same tool from on sale from Amazon especially during Prime Days or Black Friday I use Amazon.

For plants and wood I use HDepot as I am really used to the store layout and don't have to hunt around like in Lowes or other stores and waste time. Their plants come from the same nursery my landscaper used so they are good quality.

 

I am definitely a beginner when it comes to DIY (either that or my brain doesn't work that way), but I think about tools the same way I do devices when it comes to work, and buy the best I can afford, both with tools, and supplies.

As far as box stores go, I tend to prefer Lowe's simply because they seem more helpful and friendly when I don't have a clue what I am actually looking for.

That being said, there is an Ace Hardware store near me that has been amazing at helping me find solutions.

 

While no where near as heavy of a load as construction, I used Ryobi cordless drill and circ saw for many years installing window treatments. I retired 12 years ago and they continued to see moderate use for rental property. I am still using them today. I have replaced batteries.

Back to Cricket's question: there are a limited few materials that I only buy name brand. For tools it depends on the projected workload. Air tools go with the name. Most others I go for the price / value relationship.

 

Well quality always matters. Brand names can change over the years. Quality tools and materials will make any project easier.

 

Once upon a time it did . . . . but now, I don't even buy green bananas.

 

Back when I had a job, was big time heavy into DIY, I chose quality tools. The one exception I can recall is a hardwood floor nailer. Bought a generic tool at Lumber Liquidators vs. a Bostitch. Nailer was used twice since the original purchase.

I try to shop local...old skool Ace hardware....unless I have lots to buy. Menards is closer vs. HD. Wife has a Menards card where we get cash back. I use it but I do prefer HD instead.

Since I retired, can't think of any tools I've bought. Not saying I've got everything but I don't have much of a need for a tool that I don't have OR can't make somehow or another. I like to think outside the box when I can(smile).

FWIW...Don.

 

In building, I bought the best tools, but now day I see some of the tools that sell for unreal high prices that are just not worth the extra money. Festool comes to mind right off hand. These tools are way overpriced, IMHO.

 

For me it depends on the tool and the quality of job you expect it to do. I am a fan of Dewalt (I'm sure there are other good quality brands); they seem to be durable enough for my usage. For woodworking I want repeatable accuracy. I have a 12" Dewalt compound mitre saw. Once you get it set up it is dead nuts accurate. Our son-in-law has a Canadian Tire Mastercraft and it is consistently inconsistent.

I don't use air nailers that much and the two I have are off-brand. Not a lot of feature but they work for me. I needed a reciprocating saw for a demo job many years ago and bought a B&D. So long as it last through the job I would be happy; I still have it. Some things, like drill bits, I treat as consumables.

I buy most everything through HD or Home Hardware (in Canada). The odd thing at Canadian Tire if it is a name brand and on sale.

 

bought a B&D

Long, long ago. A project required a router. At that time I bought a cheapie B&D fixed base. That router is a fixture in my router table. Had to make a plate so it fit in my table saw wing. Aint the best tool but it still functions, and as you said, does repeatable functions w/o a big deal.

FWIW...Don.

 

Almost everything is made in China.
I look for made in Taiwan now.

 

I am a big Milwaukee fan.
However, when hurricane Helene hit us hard, and I had a lot of trees down, I found myself at Harbour Freight.
After getting prices for gas and electric chain saws and pole saws, I bought an Atlas brand battery pole saw. I liked it so much I went back and got the 18" battery chain saw. I liked both saws.
Then cleaning up my basement, I find my old gas powered chainsaw. Decided to take a look at it. Found a fuel line rotted off. Fixed fuel line and it runs just fine. Wish I had looked at it before buying the battery powered chain saw.

 

I have nothing but DeWalt battery tools and a corded Mitre saw. There are so many local and national dealers for these products. I have a Mastercraft router and Mastercraft torque wrenches. Mastercraft being the brand of tools Canadian Tire sells.

 

I'm in the "It depends on the job and frequency of use" camp. I have a $40.00 WEN corded hand planer. I don't need it often, so it serves the purpose, but my everyday workhorse power tools are DeWalt, either corded or battery. I'll check out Harbor Freight for single or low frequency use hand tools.

 

Cordless: DeWalt
Wired: Makita

 

My cordless are all over the board. Rigid, Milwaukie and Ryobi. My hand tools such as tape measures are Stanley, plumbing wrenches and cutters are Rigid. Hammer is what fits my hand. Levels are what looks good and durable. Laser levels are Klein. Mech tools are a mix from good to cheap- several are hand downs from Dad

 

I am not brand loyal by any means. For each major tool I am looking to purchase, I do research on functionality and reliability. As such, my power tool collection encompasses Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Porter-Cable and Ridgid.

When I first bought my house some 25-years ago, I was short on disposable income and had a list of home improvements that was needed. This is how I ended up with my P-C cordless drill and driver set which I picked up on sale. While I would love to have a Ridgid or Milwaukee cordless kit, I cannot justify replacing the P-C which continues to serve me well to this day.

Mechanic tools are Craftsman and Kobalt. My socket set is Craftsman (Made in USA) which I have had for 30-years…, and I still have the original 10mm sockets.

Screwdrivers, pliers, wire strippers, electric and cable/LAN test equipment are all Klein. More expensive than some other brands but the durability are worth the cost IMO.

 

For my shop it depends if it's a tool that I will use once vs a bunch of times.

 

I Use a I do not know the age Craftsman table saw, still accurate!
Changed to a segmented belt , less noise and added a large kill switch right on the front. Mounted a router on the left wing ,which i replaced with a solid top with tracks and a adjustable rear fence

 

Sounds similar to mine.
1995 Craftsman 113 series with cast iron extensions. Upgraded the fence to a Delta and in addition to the link belt, change out the cast pulleys for machined ones. I have since added a paddle switch to the front.

I also added an outfeed table.

 

For work, you might use the same tool everyday for hours. For DIY, you might use the same tool once or twice a year. However, for the tools you use often, like a screwdriver, a drill, ya, get durable, because when they break you have to stop and go buy a new one. I find the cheaper tools often have a weak link, like a switch, or the electronics board, or a small plastic keeper..etc.

 

Buy once cry once. I have learned that no matter what the tool quality is the way to go.

 

I agree that for some tools, one should buy the best quality they can afford.

IMO, they does not apply to all tools. I have numerous bar and f-clamps all purchased from Harbor Freight. Granted the bar clamps are extruded u-shaped aluminum and tended to twist a bit when tightened. However, the addition of a piece of 1x2 in the channel makes them surprisingly robust. I have used them for years with no issues. Additionally, I was able to purchase four 4ft clamps for the price of a single Bessey brand.

 

I forgot to add, I also own a WEN drill press and benchtop planer.

Even though WEN is not regarded in the same class as Delta, DeWalt or Makita, they offered a good combination of quality and affordability for my budget and continue to work well for me.

 

In my younger days, i would buy the best I could afford as I wanted them to last me a lifetime. I still have all my old plug in tools, but now everything has switched to battery. Now with the battery tools, there is an issue with having different brands because of different batteries. So I gave all my battery tools to my son and in the past few years I have switched most of my battery tools to Ryobi. Lots of people look down on Ryobi, but I am in my 70's and I don't think I will outlive them. I have lots of batteries so I can let them cool between charging's which will make them last much longer. I get a good deal on them at https://www.directtoolsoutlet.com/ . I usually buy blemished as they have the 3 year warranty rather than the refurbished that only have a 1 year warranty and I wait for free shipping deals. I really don't get the blemished ones as they come sealed in a brand new box just line getting one at Home Depot. If I need a tool for just one job, I will look at Harbor Freight. I needed a long drill to go through cinder block. I picked up a cheap HF one rather than a brand name one from Home Depot and saved a ton. If it was something I would use all the time, I would spend the money and get the good one.

 

Many years ago, (25+), I bought a RIDGID combo set at Home Depot to replace my dying makita tools. I chose these because of the lifetime warranty.
Problem with the warranty service is that the location is far from me. But they serviced my drill and charger just fine.
Found out that if you buy a RIDGID tool from AMAZON; RIDGID will not give you the lifetime warranty. You have to get it from Home Depot.
I have built half a house with these and many many remodeling projects. They have not let me down since.
RIDGID turned out to be a quality tool for medium amounts of work and sometimes more.

 

Generally to me specific brand name is irrelevant, but im buying at a certain level of quality or a specific model.

Most of my cordless tools are milwaukee, but the dewalt miter saws and routers are better. Corded hand held are all over the place, bosch, hitachi, craftsman, dewalt, festool, milwaukee, porter cable... and so on.

Stationary tools are all over the map, but generally European or pre 1970s American commercial/industrial. There are specific brand preferences but sticking to one brand with used equipment is more difficult and or expensive than buying equivalent machinery from different manufacturers as its available.