cheap woodworking power tools manufacturer
Best known for its oscillating tools, Fein offers tool segments for drilling, fastening, grinding, surface finishing, sheet metal work, sawing and cutting
When shopping for quality tools to use, it is crucial to look for durable, high-quality products that will make your work easy and keep you safe. You must know your top priorities when searching for the perfect woodworking brands. Do you want durability? Do you need a temporary, cheap fix? Are you ready to splurge? There is a tool brand for every need and preference!
DeWalt is the overall best brand for woodworking tools. DeWalt manufactures tools that are the perfect combination of quality and affordability for both beginner and intermediate users. The company has a sparkling reputation for producing versatile tools that will work well with any job that you have to complete.
When you have a big job to do, and your tools run out on you or stop working, it can ruin your entire day. Selecting the correct tool brand with long-lasting, durable, and quality tools is especially important to complete the jobs you have to do promptly.
DeWalt is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers for world-renowned tools that are contractor grade. They have a wide selection of power tools, cordless tools, and fantastic tools for house renovations, home projects, and contractor jobs.
DeWalt tools not only last longer than other tools, but they stay in good condition over a long period – even with heavy use. Frankly, DeWalt sells tools that will give each user confidence for the most challenging jobs that are at hand.
DeWalt offers safety features like automatic shut off mode, which will keep you safe and shut the tools off if you fall or drop the device abruptly. This ensures the safety of all users, which is a priceless feature.
The ever-growing number of tools that DeWalt offers takes the stress out of planning and figuring out how to begin a job. From beginner tools to intermediate tools, DeWalt provides a wide selection of functional woodworking tools to work for all jobs, no matter how small or large they may be. (Source: Habit At DIY)
Compared to other brands, DeWalt is mid-tier when regarding the price points of its tools. Along with a good warranty. DeWalt makes its tools to withstand heavy use for both contractors and singular users.
Other brands vary in quality and price. For instance, Bosch and Baileigh are both very expensive and may last longer than DeWalt. Nonetheless, Dewalt will get you the most bang for your buck if you try to find a robust set of woodworking tools that will not empty your bank account.
Jet is a power tool company that pledges to make quality tools at an affordable price so that everyone can have the opportunity to work with their hands and learn how to use power tools, even if they have trouble affording them.
Quality guaranteed – Each Jet tool comes with a guarantee that the tool will function properly, or you can replace it free of charge. Extra warranties are also available that can last the lifetime of the tools.
When you have a job to do, it is vital to use the proper tools so that your task can be completed not only safely but correctly. Jet allows woodworkers on a budget to have equal access to the right tools to complete their projects.
Those who wish to spare no expense when shopping for woodworking tools will want to invest in Baileigh tools. These tools will not only get the job done, but they will be easy to use, precise in action, and fancy in appearance. (Source: Family Handyman)
Every woodworker must have all the “staple” tools in their toolkits. Just like a chef has a baseline of utensils that they always keep in their kitchen, a woodworker must also have essential tools on deck to tackle everyday jobs that arise. Developing a tool kit for your woodworking station is a priority before beginning a woodworking job.
DeWalt offers every tool that you need to start your collection! With high-quality and affordable options, these tools are must-haves when starting a new project. Once you have this foundation of tools, you can expand and grow your toolkit based on your future woodworking needs.
Creating your woodworking toolkit can be overwhelming with the endless number of tool brands you have to choose from. You want a collection of both cost-effective and durable tools so that you can continue to complete gorgeous woodworking projects for years.
DeWalt is overall the best brand of tools for someone who is looking for quality and affordability. Offering a vast selection of starter tools, DeWalt is the brand to go with so that every woodworking project you attempt will be successful.
Kaiser Tool Company (Fort Wayne, IN): manufacturers of THINBIT® precision cutting tools for grooving, threading and boring. (I also hear they often include great "made in USA" swag with your order!)
SGS Tool Co. (Munroe Falls, OH): solid carbide rotary cutting tools. All products (burs, drills, endmills, and routers) are manufactured in Northeast Ohio. (In March 2016, SGS Tool was acquired by Japan-based Kyocera Corp. The press release notes that production will stay primarily at existing facilities in Ohio and Indiana.)
Viking Drill & Tool (St. Paul, MN): cutting tools designed, engineered and manufactured with union labor at their 74,000sq ft facility. In 2010, the company began participating in GreenPOWER, a program to train workers in green manufacturing practices.
Channellock Inc. (Meadville, PA): over 120 different sizes and types of pliers and other hand tools, including their patented tongue-and-groove and slip-joint pliers.
Chapman Tools (Durham, CT): miniature ratchet and insert bit sets for applications when a regular screwdriver or hex key will not fit or provide adequate torque. Made in USA since 1936.
Cornwell Quality Tools (Wadsworth, OH): this manufacturer of American-made ratchets, sockets, and wrenches, and now metal tool boxes and storage units under the Kennedy brand, uses a franchise mobile sales model for B2B sales rather than sales to consumers. However, I include it here for completeness.
Electrical Safety Products (Woburn, MA): 1000v dielectric double-insulated electrical tools and safety equipment. Insulated coatings on U.S.-made tools by Channellock, Eklind, and Wright Tool
Estwing (Rockford, IL): hammers, mallets, axes, and geological tools, with a patented shock-reduction grip, made in USA. Available from Ace Hardware and other retailers. [Affiliate: I earn commission on purchases through this link]
Excel Blades (Paterson, NJ): precision knives, cutters, tracing wheels, awls and scribe tools for artists and crafters (some other product categories imported so look for "Made in USA" in product descriptions).
Jaw Manufacturing Co. (Reading, PA): specialized hand tools for mechanics, including rethreading taps, dies, and files since 1950. Veteran owned and operated.
Kalama Precision Machine (Kalama, WA): makers of Hold and Fold Photo-Etch (PE) Tools for fine-scale metal modelers. Offering PE workstations, rolling sets, and cut-off kits, all made in USA.
Klein Tools (Lincolnshire, IL): manufacturing a wide variety of handtools at several facilities in Illinois, Texas and New York. The company website has a nice summary of product lines made at their U.S. facilities. (Some products imported from Mexico and elsewhere, so check origin). Available at Home Depot, Lowe"s, and other hardware and home improvement stores
Precision Instruments (Des Plaines, IL): precision torque tools and testing equipment since 1938, including torsion bar dial type wrenches, split-beam click wrenches, and micrometer adjustable click wrenches.
Proto Industrial Tools: a division of Stanley Black & Decker, making heavy-duty industrial hand tools used in the manufacture of autos, aircraft, transportation/fleet maintenance. Most Proto tools are made in USA ("Some days a good wrench is the only friend a man"s got.") Available from Grainger and MSC
S-K Professional Tools (Williamsport, PA): socket and drive tools and wrenches, made in USA. The company is now owned by a Chinese firm (GreatStar Industrial), and in November 2021 manufacturing and distribution of SK Tools was moved from Sycamore, IL to Williamsport, PA.
Snap-on Tools: a business division of Snap-on Inc., Snap-on Tools Group manufactures tools for motor vehicle service and repair at 4 facilities in the U.S. (Elkmont, AL; Algona, IA; Elizabethton, TN; and Milwaukee, WI). Known for their franchised dealer vans, Snap-on tools are now also available online. Many, but not all, tools imprinted with the Snap-on name are made in US, other tool brands (including Blue Point) are imported. County of origin is provided for each product on the Snap-On website, so check before you purchase.
Tekton (Grand Rapids, MI): although the vast majority of Tekton tools are imported, their angle head wrenches, crowfoot wrenches, screwdrivers, and nut drivers are made in US. Check country of origin in product descriptions.
Wilde Tool (Hiawatha, KS): full range of hand tools, including pliers, screwdrivers, scrapers, wrenches and specialty tools, full polished with red grips
Bark River Knives (Escanaba, MI): this family-owned business crafts knives and other cutting tools, with an amazing selection of blade styles and handles.
DMT (Marlborough, MA): Diamond Machining Technology makes diamond sharpeners for kitchen, garden, and workshop tools. Diamond crystals bonded to a metal plate, will not break or chip. Bench stones, as well as foldable and pocket models for sharpening on the go.
LogRite Tools (Vernon, CT): aluminum-handled logging tools for use at sawmills, woodlots and construction sites. Tools include cant hooks, log peaveys, timber carriers, and hand saws, all made in USA.
R. Murphy Knife Co. (Southbridge, MA): hunting, fishing, and sport knives, plus knives for flooring, roofing, scrapers, and shop tools. An edge for almost any use!
Johnson Level & Tool Mfg. Co. (Mequon, WI): laser and "bubble" levels, framing squares, and other leveling, marking and layout tools. In April 2018, the company was acquired by Hultafors Group of Goteborg, Sweden. Products made in Wisconsin are available on their Made in USA page.
L.S. Starrett Co. (Athol, MA): precision tools, including micrometers, calipers, levels, dial indicators, and gage blocks. Many still made in USA at facilities in MA, OH, MN, and NC. Some products made overseas, so check origin.
Briggs & Stratton (Milwaukee, WI): manufacturers of small gasoline engines, based in Wisconsin and with additional U.S. facilities in AL, FL, KY, MO, and GA. Briggs & Stratton engines power many welders, pressure washers, and generators
Montana Brand Tools (Ronan, MT): drill and drive sets, including titanium drill bits, magnetic screw guides and bit holders, and innovative tools like the Drill & Driver tool that allows drill and drive or countersink of screws without chucking new tools
Atlas 46 (Fenton, MO): tool vests, belts and rolls made from Cordura nylon for carpenters, firefighters, auto mechanics or anyone else that needs to keep hand tools organized and close to hand. They also manufacture American-made workwear (pants, bibs and tees).
Barr Specialty Tools (McCall, ID): hand-forged woodworking tools, including chisels, knives, gouges, and mallets. These are beautiful, and worthy of including on my Handcraft Artisans page, but I think more folks will see them here.
Benchcrafted (Cedar Rapids, IA): manufacturer of woodworking vises and MAGIC BLOK magnetic tool holders for kitchen or workroom, plus benches and woodworking hand tools.
Blum Tool Co. (Walnut, IA): handmade woodworking tools, including mallets, blade sharpening jigs, holding tools and patented Blum planes designed and crafted by a master cabinetmaker. The planes are truly works of art themselves. Workbenches also available.
Chappell Universal Square and Rule (Brownfield, ME): framing squares and other layout tools for today"s carpenter, made to last in USA from American-made stainless steel
Lake Erie Toolworks (Erie, PA): woodworking tools, including wooden vise screw kits made from hard maple and stainless steel marking knives for woodworking joinery usage, plus cast iron woodworking vises made in America by Milwaukee Tool
Lie-Nielsen Toolworks (Warren, ME): quality woodworking tools, including block planes, bench planes, and chisels. Also carrying Starrett measuring tools made in USA.
LumberJack Tools (Chippewa Falls, WI): specialty cutting tools for timber framing or log furniture making, including tenon cutters, chamfer tools, and counter sink tools. All made in the USA from 6061 aluminum or steel.
Woodmaster Tools (Kansas City, MO): since 1929, this company has been manufacturing versatile machines that are molder, planer, sander and saw in one.
Woodpeckers Inc. (Strongsville, OH): router lifts, router fences, measuring & layout tools and clamping accessories; Woodpecker woodworking tools are designed and manufactured in U.S. (Most other brands on the site are also made in USA.)
Ever wonder who owns Craftsman tools? How about Milwaukee, Mac Tools, or Skilsaw? It may surprise you to know that only a handful of power tool companies own your favorite tools. That’s right, most tool brands fall under a parent company that also controls additional power tool manufacturers and brands. We break it down for you…with charts!
Stanley Black & Decker (SBD) turned heads when it bought Craftsman Tools in 2017 after Sears closed 235 stores in 2015. The company owns many brands, however. Dating back to 1843 with a man named Frederick Stanley, the company quickly formed its roots. In 2010, it merged with another company that started in 1910—Black and Decker. As of 2017, the company maintains a $7.5 billion business in tools & storage alone. SBD brands include:
As it turns out, TTI owns Milwaukee Tool and a host of other power tool companies. It also licenses the RIDGID* and RYOBI names for cordless power tools (Emerson owns RIDGID). TTI stands for Techtronic Industries Company Limited (TTI Group). Founded in 1985 in Hong Kong, TTI sells tools all over the world and employs over 22,000 people. TTI is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and had worldwide annual sales of over US$6 billion in 2017. Their brands include:
Not anymore. In 2017, Chervon acquired Skil Power Tool Brands from Bosch. This added two big brands to their portfolio: Skilsaw and Skil. Chervon started its power tools business unit back in 1993, launching the EGO brand of cordless outdoor power equipment in 2013. In 2018, the company rebranded Skil (including the logo) and announced new 12V and 20V cordless power tools. Today, Chervon tools and products are sold by more than 30,000 stores in 65 countries. Chervon manufactures the following brands:
First off, Bosch Tools only represents part of the Bosch Group which includes Robert Bosch GmbH and over 350 subsidiaries across 60+ countries. In 2003 Robert Bosch GmbH combined its North American power tool and power tool accessory divisions into one organization, forming Robert Bosch Tool Corporation in North America. The company designs, manufactures, and sells power tools, rotary and oscillating tools, power tool accessories, laser and optical leveling devices, and range finding tools all over the globe. Bosch also manufactures the following tools:
Husqvarna Group manufactures chainsaws, trimmers, robotic lawn mowers, and ride-on lawnmowers. The Group also makes garden watering products as well as cutting equipment and diamond tools for the construction and stone industries. They have a presence in more than 100 countries and employ over 13,000 people in 40 countries. Husqvarna Group also owns the following tools:
JPW owns several large brands including Jet, Powermatic, and Wilton. The company has its headquarters in La Vergne, Tennessee but also has operations in Switzerland, Germany, Russia, France, Taiwan, and China. They sell products in 20 countries throughout the world. Their tool brands include:
Apex Tool Group has its headquarters in Sparks, Maryland, USA and employs more than 8,000 workers. They operate in more than 30 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Annual revenues exceed $1.4 billion on the sale of hand tools, power tools, and electronics tools for the industrial, automotive, aerospace, and construction/DIY markets. The following tool manufacturers belong to APEX Tool Group:
Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), Emerson controls power tool manufacturers and products in the industrial, commercial, and residential markets. While TTI licenses the RIDGID name for power tools, Emerson controls the following tools (among others):
Based in Wendlingen, Germany, TTS or Tooltechnic Systems owns Festool (electric and pneumatic tools), Tanos (not to be confused with the guy who destroyed half the universe), Narex, Sawstop, and now Shaper Tools. TTS is truly behind the scenes as it doesn’t really have appear to have its own website (at least not in the US) or an official logo. In bullet point format, its subsidiaries include:
Yamabiko Corporation started in 2008 and has three core business segments: outdoor power equipment, agricultural machinery, and industrial machinery. Based in Japan, Yamabiko is a global company with major markets in Japan and North America, and a growing presence in Europe and Asia. Tool brands include:
Founded over 100 years ago, ITW manufactures specialized industrial equipment, power tools, hand tools, and consumables. ITW operates in 57 countries with over 50,000 employees. They also have more than 17,000 granted and pending patents. ITW brands include:
Who makes Harbor Freight Power Tools remains a mystery—possibly because they may have switched suppliers in the past. Some have suggested LuTool, a company established in June 1999 supplies their power tools. LuTool has headquarters in Ningbo, China, and a North American office in Ontario, Canada. LuTool is owned by Gemay (Ningbo Gemay Industry Co Ltd) which also has its headquarters in Ningbo, China.
Not to be outdone, others have suggested Powerplus as the manufacturer behind the Drill Master, Warrior, Bauer, and Hercules lines of tools. Powerplus is a division of European company Varo with headquarters in Belgium.
Hilti and Makita are just Hilti and Makita. Hilti doesn’t have any subsidiary companies underneath them or a parent company over them. Makita, on the other hand, did acquire the Dolmar brand, bolstering its already-impressive line of outdoor power equipment tools. It’s pretty impressive the market share each of these companies enjoys!
We can’t leave out the popular house brands available at those big-box retailers and home improvement warehouses. Note that many (if not all) of the brands below represent ODM or OEM solutions. That means the tools get specified by the store but executed by another manufacturer. In other scenarios, tools are “offered” to a retailer and then manufactured in bulk upon acceptance of a buyer’s order.
While you may have thought you knew who owned all those power tool manufacturers, consolidation has changed the playing field. By far, Stanley Black & Decker demonstrates the largest buyout pattern. Companies like TTI, Apex Tool Group, ITW, and others also enjoy adding to their numbers.