Best Hand Tool Brands in 2023- A Comprehensive Guide on the manufacturers

Best Hand Tool Brands in 2023- A Comprehensive Guide on the manufacturers

When tackling any DIY project, having the proper hand tools is essential. From hammers and screwdrivers to saws and pliers, countless brands on the market help you make an informed decision. The team at Tend Industrial Supplies has compiled a list of the best hand tool brands in 2023 that offer quality, reliability, and affordability, the Tend team also took a dive into the countries that manufacture the best brands globally and why some brands especially from Germany appears consistently.

When it comes to choosing the best hand tool brand, it comes down to personal preference. However, the five brands mentioned above are all known for their quality, reliability, and affordability. No matter which brand you choose, you can rest assured that you're getting a tool that will last you for years. The best hand tool brand for you will depend on your specific needs and the type of work you plan on doing. Whether you're a professional contractor, electrician, or DIY enthusiast, there is a brand on this list that will meet your needs, we also curated 12 hand tool brands professionals always prefer. 

Which country manufactures the best hand tools? Key take away

Best Hand Tool Brands in 2023: A Comprehensive Guide on the Manufacturers

SectionDetails
IntroductionThe article emphasizes the importance of having the right hand tools for DIY projects. It mentions the plethora of brands available in the market and highlights the efforts of the Tend Industrial Supplies team in compiling a list of the best hand tool brands for 2023.
Top Brands from Germany- Wera: Known for innovative design and ergonomic products. KNIPEX: Specializes in pliers and cutters. Felo: Produces high-quality screwdrivers, pliers, and other hand tools. - Wiha: Offers a wide range of hand tools, including screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches. - Stahlwille: Produces high-quality sockets, ratchets, and other hand tools.Top Brands from the USA- Stanley: Offers a wide range of devices, including hand saws, hammers, and screwdrivers. - Craftsman: Known for wrenches, pliers, and ratchets.  Klein Tools: Renowned in the electrical trade. <br> - Milwaukee Tool: Known for durability and innovation. - Proto: Offers industrial-grade hand tools.- Dewalt: Ranked number one among popular hand tool brands.Top Brands from Japan- Stanley: Produces a wide range of hand tools. - Craftsman: Offers a variety of tools. Klein Tools: Known for pliers, cutters, and screwdrivers. - Wiha: Offers a wide range of high-quality hand tools. - Nitto Kohki: Leading producer of pneumatic and hand tools in Japan.Top Brands from Switzerland- Victorinox: Known for the Swiss Army Knife. - Wera: Produces a wide range of hand tools.  - Swiza: Produces pocket knives, kitchen knives, and multi-tools.  - BAHCO: Known for high-quality hand tools and saws.  - Leatherman: Known for its multi-tools.Why German Brands Stand OutGerman hand tool manufacturers are renowned due to their strong tradition of metalworking and engineering. They focus on quality and innovation, producing tools that are durable and reliable.Best Hand Tool Brand of 2023The article lists several globally renowned brands but emphasizes the preferences of the Tend Industrial Supplies Team based on online reviews, use cases, and research. Brands include Stanley, Craftsman, Klein Tools, Dewalt, Wera, Knipex, Felo, Gedore, Stahlwille, Victorinox, and Nitto Kohki.Benefits of Lifetime WarrantyThe article highlights the benefits of a lifetime warranty on hand tools, including peace of mind, zero cost on repairs and maintenance, improved customer loyalty, and increased product value.

It is difficult to say which country manufactures the best hand tools, as quality can vary widely, even within a single country. However, several countries are well known for producing high-quality hand tools, including:

1. Germany: German hand tools are widely recognised for their exceptional quality and precision. They are known for their attention to detail, state-of-the-art technology, and use of premium materials.
2. Japan: Japanese hand tools are known for their durability, sharpness, and ease of use. Professionals often favor them for their precise and reliable performance.

3. USA: American-made hand tools are known for their durability and quality craftsmanship. Many brands have been producing tools for over a century and have a reputation for producing reliable and durable tools.

4. Switzerland: Swiss hand tools are renowned for their precision and quality. They are often used in high-precision industries, such as watchmaking and medical devices.

Ultimately, the best hand tools for a particular job or individual will depend on specific requirements and personal preferences. When choosing a hand tool, it is crucial to consider factors such as price, durability, and performance.

What are the best hand tools brand from Germany?

German-made tools and brands are considered the best in the market for various reasons. They are durable and historically made from the best materials through a guided innovation system.

1. Wera: Wera is a German hand tool manufacturer known for its innovative design and ergonomic products. Their range includes screwdrivers, pliers, ratchets, and other hand tools for professional and DIY use. Wera strongly emphasizes product quality and reliability, and their devices are made to meet high standards.

2. KNIPEX: KNIPEX is a German company specializing in pliers and cutters and is considered one of the top hand tool brands in the world. Their products are known for their precision and durability and are used by professionals in various industries, including electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC.
3. Felo: Felo is a German hand tool manufacturer. They produce a range of high-quality screwdrivers, pliers, and other hand tools for professional use and are known for their attention to detail and service of top-quality materials.
4. Wiha: Wiha is a German hand tool manufacturer with a Swiss subsidiary. They produce a wide range of hand tools, including screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches, for professional use and are known for their high quality and durability.
5. Stahlwille: Stahlwille is a German hand tool manufacturer; they produce high-quality sockets, ratchets, and other hand tools for professional use in automotive and industrial applications. They are known for their precise engineering and reliable performance.

These five German hand tool brands are considered among the best in the market due to their commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation. They are trusted by professionals in various industries and are used by DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists alike.

What are the top quality brands of hand tools from the USA?

Here are some of the top-quality hand tool brands from the USA, and some studies, such as America's most trusted study report, brought in Dewalt as one of the brands that got a space in this list:

1. Stanley: A well-known and trusted brand, Stanley has produced hand tools for over 170 years. They offer a wide range of devices, including hand saws, hammers, and screwdrivers.

2. Craftsman: A subsidiary of Sears, Craftsman has been producing hand tools for nearly a century. They offer a variety of tools, including wrenches, pliers, and ratchets.

3. Klein Tools: Founded in 1857, Klein Tools is a well-known and respected brand in the electrical trade. They offer a wide range of hand tools, including pliers, wire strippers, and screwdrivers.

4. Milwaukee Tool: Milwaukee Tool is a leading producer of power tools and hand tools are known for their durability and innovation. Their hand tools include screwdrivers, pliers, and adjustable wrenches.

5. Proto: A Stanley Black & Decker subsidiary, Proto is a well-established brand known for their industrial-grade hand tools. They offer a range of tools, including sockets, wrenches, and pliers.

6. Dewalt: DEWALT was ranked number one among the 13 most popular hand tool brands. The rankings for this study were based on interviews with 10,048 customers. Dewalt generated a Net Trust Quotient Score of 122.8 and the 5 Star Trust Rating among people actively shopping for a hand tool. The brands most recognized in the study were Dewalt, Craftsman, Stanley, Snap-On, Black+Decker, Milwaukee, and others.

These are just a few of the top hand tool brands from the USA. When choosing hand tools, it's essential to consider factors such as quality, durability, and performance in addition to the brand.

What are the best hand tools from Japan?

Here are some of the top-quality hand tool brands from Japan:

1. Stanley: Stanley produces a wide range of hand tools, including hammers, screwdrivers, and pliers.

2. Craftsman: Craftsman is a well-known brand in the hand tool industry, offering a variety of tools, including wrenches, ratchets, and sockets.

3. Klein Tools: Klein Tools is a leading producer of hand tools for electrical professionals. They offer a range of tools, including pliers, cutters, and screwdrivers.

4. Wiha: Wiha is a German brand with a strong presence in Japan. They offer a wide range of high-quality hand tools, including screwdrivers, pliers, and hammers.

5. Nitto Kohki: Nitto Kohki is a leading producer of pneumatic and hand tools in Japan. They offer a variety of tools, including drill drivers, sanders, and saws.

These are just a few of the top hand tool brands from Japan. When choosing hand tools, it's essential to consider factors such as quality, durability, and performance in addition to the brand.

What are the best hand tools from Switzerland?

1. Victorinox: A Swiss company is known for its iconic Swiss Army Knife, other high-quality cutting tools, and household and professional knives.

2. Wera: A German-owned company with Swiss roots that produces a wide range of hand tools, including screwdrivers, pliers, and ratchets, focusing on innovation and ergonomics.

3. Swiza: A Swiss company that produces a range of pocket knives, kitchen knives, and multi-tools, known for their quality and durability.

4. BAHCO: A Swedish company with a strong presence in Switzerland, known for its high-quality hand tools and saws for professional and DIY use.

5. Leatherman: An American company with a Swiss subsidiary known for its multi-tools, designed to be compact and versatile for outdoor, camping, and survival use.

6. KNIPEX: A German company with a strong presence in Switzerland, producing a range of pliers, cutters, and other hand tools for professional use.

7. Rothenberger: A German company with a strong presence in Switzerland, producing plumbing and HVAC hand tools and pipe and welding tools.

8. Felo: A German company with a Swiss subsidiary, producing a range of high-quality screwdrivers, pliers, and other hand tools for professional use.

9. Wiha: A German company with a Swiss subsidiary, producing a wide range of hand tools, including screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches, for professional use.

10. Stahlwille: A German company with a strong presence in Switzerland, producing a range of high-quality sockets, ratchets, and other hand tools for professional use in automotive and industrial applications.

Why do German brands appear consistently in the global best brands for hand tools?

The presence of German hand tool manufacturers on the list for most of the countries in this list is due to several factors; first, Germany has a strong tradition of metalworking and engineering, which has led to the development of a thriving hand tool industry and is popular globally. German manufacturers are known for their focus on quality and innovation, producing hand tools that are durable and reliable. There is also the proximity of Germany to countries like Switzerland, hence allowing for easy access to german-made tools to the swiss market and vice versa.

Some German hand tool companies have established subsidiaries or partnerships in Switzerland, taking advantage of the Swiss reputation for precision engineering and high-quality products. This combination of factors has resulted in many German hand tool manufacturers having a solid presence in Switzerland and being considered among the top brands in the market. For other countries like Japan and the USA, German tools are loved so much for their consistency and durability that they are not comparable to many competing brands.

Buy more of German-made tools here

What is the best brand of hand tools Brand in 2023?

It's difficult to determine the "best" brand of hand tools, as the quality can vary depending on the specific product and the user's needs and preferences. However, some of the most well-regarded brands in the hand tool industry include hand tools from different countries, such as the globally renowned brands mentioned. Still, the preferences of the Tend Industrial Supplies Team recognized to have online reviews of these tools. Some use cases of the tools themselves and results of some research conducted and responses from garagejournal; we came out with the following

• Stanley

• Craftsman

• Klein Tools

• Dewalt

• Wera
  
• Knipex
  
• Felo
  
• Gedore
  
• Stahlwille
  

• Victorinox

• Nitto Kohki

These brands are known for producing high-quality tools that are durable, reliable, and efficient. When choosing hand tools, it's essential to consider factors such as the type of task you'll be performing, your budget, and the size and weight of the tools. It is also helpful to read reviews and compare different brands and products to find the best fit for your needs.

All German tools have life time Warranty. Benefits of lifetime warranty 

Some of the benefits of lifetime warranty is for peace of Mind: Lifetime warranty on hand tools offers peace of mind to the customer knowing that they can use their tool without the worry of it breaking or malfunctioning. If it does, the customer can have it repaired or replaced at no cost. There also zero cost on repairs and mainetance, lifetime warranty means that any repairs or replacement of the tool will not cost the customer anything. This can be a major benefit for those who use hand tools frequently and want to ensure that they always have a functioning tool on hand. There is also Improved Customer Loyalty: Offering a lifetime warranty on hand tools can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. Customers appreciate knowing that the manufacturer stands behind their product and is willing to repair or replace it if needed. This can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations. Finally increased Product Value: A lifetime warranty on hand tools can increase the perceived value of the product. Customers may be willing to pay a higher price for a tool with a lifetime warranty, as they believe that the investment is worth it.

Buy all your hand tools from tend industrial supplies 

We’ve been surveying our audience to see who makes the best tools. The answer, of course, is it depends. The best stud finder is likely made by a different brand than the best cordless drill. You can break it down into trades, tool classes, power sources and so much more. Despite the complexity, we wanted to know what the general perceptions are out there. So, here’s how our audience answers the question, “Who Makes the Best Tools?”

If you think these results are highly subjective, you’re right. There were folks that offered some suspect votes and there’s clearly brand loyalty as well. So, take it with a grain of salt, but it was a lot of fun for us to see what you guys and gals think!

Before we jump in, we gathered a few interesting statistics as we analyzed the data. For starters, the following brands had at least one vote in every category:

• DeWalt
• Milwaukee
• Makita

There was a total of 75 different brands that received at least one vote.

33 brands received just one vote in one category.

Best Hand Tools was the category with the highest number of brands represented (29).

Milwaukee had the highest percentage of all votes cast across all categories (26.6%). DeWalt was the next closest at 10.8%.

Who is the Best Tool Brand Overall?

There were no surprises in the category for best tools overall, with the Big 3 brands taking the top three spots. Milwaukee finished with a dominating lead over every other brand, earning 41% of the vote. DeWalt was a distant second at 21% with Makita trailing farther behind at 9%. Here are how the votes in the comments shook out:

Festool (6), Klein (5), Flex (4), Metabo HPT (4), Knipex (3), Bosch (2), Ryobi (2), Gearwrench (1), Grizzly (1), Hilti (1), Metabo (1), Skil (1), Snap-On (1)

Note: the number in parenthesis is the total number of votes for that brand.

It’s no surprise to see Milwaukee in the lead, though the gap between it and DeWalt is larger than we expected. If the comments on our Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channels are any indication, the reality is that they’re much closer competitors.

Asking specifically about cordless tools, Milwaukee once again took home the top position with 46% of the votes cast. DeWalt lost a little ground from the previous category with 19% of the vote, while Makita gained some ground at 14%. Flex also made an appearance, earning 7% of the total votes. Here’s how the rest stacked up:

Bosch (3), Ridgid (3), Festool (2), Hilti (2), Ryobi (2), Bauer (1), Metabo HPT (1), Skil (1)

Statistically, we weren’t surprised to see Milwaukee have a dominant lead as the best cordless tool brand after the results of the first category. Nor were we surprised that DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee continued to hold the top three spots. A lot of it has a lot to do with the incredible breadth of cordless tools each brand offers. One thing that set Milwaukee apart from the other two is its focus on trade-specific tools in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP). You’ll find Milwaukee tools designed to provide a solution that its closest competitors don’t offer.

However, note that Flex is gaining momentum. Based on our testing, they make quality Pro-focused cordless tools. Plus, that lifetime warranty adds a ton of value if you’re looking to jump into a new system.

Turning to air power, Ingersoll Rand takes home the prize with 23% of the votes to earn the best pneumatic tools title. Metabo HPT (formerly Hitachi) earned 19% of the votes and DeWalt pulled in 9%. As for the rest of the field, it’s spread out.

Bostitch (4), Ridgid (4), Harbor Freight (3), Snap-On (3), Paslode (2), Porter Cable (2), Senco (2), 3M (1), Astro (1), Chicago Pneumatic (1), Desoutter (1), Everwin (1), Festool. (1), Hilti (1) Makita (1), Matco (1), Milwaukee (1), Nuair (1)

Ingersoll Rand is no surprise in the lead for pneumatics with an outstanding range of automotive and metalworking air tools. Metabo HPT is clearly still doing well after the rebranding from Hitachi and its well-deserved reputation for quality nailers.

This is always an interesting category to analyze once the results are in because of how many different brands compete in the space. Not only that, but there are so many different areas of focus considering mechanics, fabricators, and contractors among others. That said, there are few suspect votes here and we’ll leave you to chew on the validity of some of them.

The general hand tool category is huge and includes every single trade. Knipex took the win, pulling in 20% of the votes. Milwaukee performed well with 14% of the votes while Klein was right on its heels at 13%. Snap-On and Wera each picked up 5%. From there, we had a heck of a lot of other brands represented.

Craftsman (4), Gearwrench (4), Proto (4), Mac Tools (3), Crescent (2), Channellock (2), Irwin (2), Stanley (2), Stiletto (2), Tekton (2), DeWalt (1), Estwing (1), Facom (1), Festool (1), Goodyear (1), Hazet (1), Husky (1), Lee Valley (1), Makita (1), SK Hand Tools (1), Stahlwille (1), Wiha (1)

This year’s vote was quite a bit closer than last year’s. We know Knipex makes great hand tools and Klein did well as we expected with its massive popularity among electricians. After a lackluster year in the best hand tools category last year, Milwaukee responded by leaping into the second position. The surprise for us was the sheer number of brands that showed up, with the automotive brands making a strong showing as well as a couple of value brands and several well-known names.

Who Makes the Best Concrete Tools?

The concrete industry is massive and this year, Bosch came away with the highest percentage of votes, earning a solid 25% of them. Milwaukee came in second with 20% and Hilti was right behind at 19%. DeWalt and Marshalltown each had a respectable showing at 8%. Here’s what the rest of the votes looked like:

Makita (4), Kraft (2), Festool (1), Anvil (1), Goldblatt (1), Hercules (1), Level 5 (1), Skil (1), Stihl (1), Sutton (1), USG (1)

Bosch makes some excellent concrete tools, competing well in the rotary hammer space. We really like their dust extractors, too. However, it was a bit of a surprise to Milwaukee edge out Hilti this year, especially considering Milwaukee earned just one vote in the best concrete tools category last year. Still, when it comes to concrete and masonry, these are three powerhouse brands.

Looking specifically at tools designed for electricians, Klein put a big gap on the field with 54% of the votes. Milwaukee was solidly in second with 24% while Knipex made a good showing with 8%.

DeWalt (3), Greenlee (2), Makita (2), Wiha (2), Festool (1), Flex (1), Fluke (1), Hilti (1),

We don’t think anyone who knows the electrical industry will be shocked to see Klein at the top of this vote. After all, they’ve been making electrical tools since 1857. Milwaukee is clearly gaining ground with an impressive range of cordless electrical tools such as its compact cordless threader and dieless crimper to go with its range of other cordless hydraulic and hand tools. With Knipex being solid in the hand tools category, it’s no surprise to see them with a relevant presence in the electrical trade.

What’s interesting is that these are the same three brands in the same order as last year’s results. The percentages are a bit different, but the ranking is unchanged.

Two plumbing powerhouse brands dominated the voting for the best plumbing tools this year: Milwaukee and Ridgid. Milwaukee took the win with 41% of the vote. Ridgid wasn’t too far behind, earning 38%. DeWalt was a distant third with 6% of the votes.

Makita (3), Klein (2), Lenox (2), Bosch (1), Festool (1), Flex (1), Harbor Freight (1), Hilti (1), Jet (1),

With such a dominant performance, it’s pretty clear that Milwaukee and Ridgid enjoy the highest reputation in the plumbing industry. Milwaukee’s presence is primarily due to cordless tools with PEX expanders, cordless threaders, plus an increasing range of hand tools and outstanding core tools to cover your needs across the board. Ridgid, of course, is well-known for its plumbing hand tools along with chain vices and many of the heavy-duty pipe threaders, chain vises, inspection systems, and other rugged tools plumbers depend on.

Things were a bit heated in the best mechanics tools poll with Snap-On taking the win with 31% of the votes. Milwaukee put some pressure on with a solid second-place effort that earned them 27%—a huge jump from last year. Gearwrench rounded out the top three spots with 10%.

DeWalt (5), Mac Tools (5), Craftsman (3), Proto (3), Bosch (2), Hazet (2), Makita (2), Tekton (2), Carlyle (1), Flex (1), Ko-ken (1), Sidechrome (1)

Snap-On enjoys a positive reputation as the most popular tool truck brand, making its stops at shops around the country. Being number one makes you a target, and Snap-On is clearly feeling the heat from Milwaukee. Milwaukee’s bigger push into the automotive industry is clearly showing, considering last year, it earned about 1% of the votes. Gearwrench made a nice improvement as well, moving into the top three for the first time with its excellent line of hand tools that are priced well under the tool truck brands.

Exactly zero of us at Pro Tool Reviews thought that Festool would be anywhere but the top in the best woodworking tools category. That’s where it finished with 26% of the votes. However, the Big 3 are pushing further into the space. DeWalt earned 19% while Makita and Milwaukee each took 12%. Lurking a little way behind, Bosch held onto 6% of the votes.

Ridgid (3), Stanley (3), Fein (2), Flex (2), Kreg (2), Powermatic (2), Delta (1), Felder (1), Freud (1), Grizzly (1), Jet (1), Lie Nielsen (1), Metabo HPT (1), Ryobi (1), Skil (1), Woodpecker (1)

If price is no object, Festool is what most serious woodworkers want to use. From the fantastic ergonomics of its sanders to the legendary Kapex miter saw, innovative Domino, and purpose-built CT dust extractors, it’s a brand hyper-focused on high quality. If your budget isn’t that high, look to the Big 3 for quality options, including many cordless woodworking tools. Don’t discount Bosch, though. Its woodworking line is solid, with some of the best miter saws and best wood routers in the game.

Final Thoughts

It’s no surprise to see the top Pro brands voted on frequently. And while this isn’t an objective test to quantify who makes the best tools, it certainly gives us a great idea of what the perception in the market is.

As you can understand, even within the Pro Tool Reviews office there’s plenty of dissension in the ranks. Each of our Pros in their various trades has their favorite and go-to tools that they’d never leave behind. And their answers to these questions are just as varied as yours.

Thanks to all of you who took the time to vote in this survey!