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15 Best Hand Tool Brands

By: David S. Miles | Last Updated: January 20, 2024

When it comes to hand tools, everybody wants to buy the best tool with the best performance and price.

But, to find such a great tool you have to consider the brand. That’s why we have prepared a list with the best hand tool brands available on the market.

Both American and German manufacturers produce amazing tools, so the biggest competition is between them.

However, the Japanese manufacturers are on our list too.

Keep in mind that some of the tools are more expensive, but not always the most expensive is the best.

1. Irwin

Irwin tools is one amazing brand that has fallen out of the public eye. Back in the last century, everybody knew this brand, thanks to its locking pliers. Furthermore, they also made a lot of great tools at an affordable price.

Since 2016, Stanley has owned Irwin, which made the brand itself not as popular and visible as before. However, Irwin’s bar clamps are still considered to be the most reliable on the market nowadays.

2. Stanley Black& Decker


Stanley Black & Decker have been in the business since 1843. This brand sells many products, and that’s why it has become one of the most popular and one of the best brands available on the market. 

With this brand you can get great hand planes, chisels, saws, rulers, screwdrivers and many more hand tools. They are expensive, but you can find pretty affordable models too. They are introducing more digital equipment.

They are used by a lot of professionals, but some enthusiasts that can afford it buy Stanley too, since they have a lot of features, and they provide great experience to their users.

3. Milwaukee


Milwaukee is a brand, known for its great electric power tools. However, they make absolutely amazing hand tools too. They are reliable, and they offer a variety. They also sell sets and tape measures.

They have affordable tools, but they also have more expensive ones. They are well-known among professionals and craftsmen, and also among DIYers and beginners. Milwaukee has a tendency to develop innovative electric tools every year.

4. Craftsman


Craftsman is one of the most known hand tool brands, thanks to the great tools they produce, and their primary sales channel. They are popular among professionals and DIYers, since their tools are both reliable and accessible.

They have affordable machines, but they also have more expensive ones. So, basically, the choice is yours. If you are looking for a tool that will have a long lifespan-Craftsman is one absolutely great option.

5. DeWalt


DeWalt was founded in 1923, and since then they have developed one of the best hand and power tools in the industry. They are still popular among professionals and DIYers, thanks to their reliable and available tools.

DeWalt produces hammers, knives, scissors, ratchets, clamps and many other tools that can be useful for every person. Their prices are good, but they may be more expensive than other brands sometimes.

6. Klein Tools


Klein Tools is a company that was founded in 1857. Since then they have been one of the best and most popular brands for hand tools on the market. They have produced different tools, and all of them were high-quality and long-lasting.

Klein Tools produces essential tools for home, that’s why they are preferred by many enthusiasts and DIYers. However, they also are bought by professionals.

7. Channellock


Channellock is famous for the fact that they have produced some of the best hand tools ever. Their pliers are popular and stand out. Did you know that there are more than 140 different types of pliers that Channellock has produced?

On their website you can see them and make the perfect choice for you. This brand also produces wrenches, toolsets, screwdrivers and many more. They are affordable and preferred by many people.

8. Snap-on


Snap-on business started in 1920, and since then it has expanded to more than 130 countries around the world. They are famous not only in the USA, but also in many other places. They are definitely one of the best options for hand tools brands.

They have also produced softwares for many industries. They provide many services around the world such as collision, aviation, agriculture, automotive, etc. Great option!

9. Cremax

Cremax is not a very well known brand for many people. However, this does not mean that they are not one of the best hand tools brands. They make amazing screwdrivers, and that’s what makes them one of the top brands in our list.

So, if you are DIYer, or a professional and you are looking for the best brand for screwdrivers, then Cremax is your best option. You can also get their 10-piece magnetic screwdriver set that will give you reliability and accessibility.

10. Gearwrench


Gearwrench entered the market in late 1996, which makes them one of the newest hand tools brands in our list. However, even though they have been here for a short period of time, they have gained great recognition as one of the best hand tool brands for mechanics.

They are famous for the five-degree system of their ratcheting wrench that provides user-friendly operation. They are affordable and they offer great features and tools for both professionals and DIYers.

11. Crescent


Crescent are famous with their wrenches, and we are sure you already know that. They offer the best adjustable wrenches with great versatility and durability. They include different types of wrenches that can be used for different tasks.

Crescent has been stable on the market for years, since they offer great quality and good price. They are fully accessible to hobbyists since they are offered in big stores. They are also used by many professionals.

12. Stiletto Tools


When we talk about Stiletto Tools we talk about hammers. Yes, they produce the best hammers worldwide. They have different types for different situations. The durable titanium head is easy to control, which makes it perfect for beginners.

Stilettos hammers offer long service life thanks to their replaceable hammer plate. They are popular among DIYers and professionals, and maybe they will always be.

13. Knipex


Knipex is a well-known brand among mechanics, plumbers and electricians. Why? Because they produce great tools with long life and high durability. They make pliers with different options and great quality.

However, Knipex offers expensive tools. That’s why they are used mainly by professionals and DIYers do not use them. But, quality is really great and important!

14. Wera


Where is a brand that was created in 1936. Since then they have always been famous among professionals and DIYers, thanks to the great tools they have been producing. A German company, but they have extended their sales to other countries.

Weras most famous tool is their screwdriver with the slogan ‘Be A Tool Rebel’. They also make retches and wrenches and all of their products are considered to be high quality and of great class.

15. Wiha


Wiha is a leading manufacturer of hand tools and other equipment all around the world. They were established in 1939, and since then they have found offices in many countries. They are loved by professionals and DIYers.

Wihas catalog contains more than 3500 different hand tools such as bits, pliers, screwdrivers, cutters and many more. All of them are high quality and have long life and high vanuarbality.

In conclusion we want to tell you that now you know the best hand tools brands. However, this does not mean that you have made your choice and we understand that. Consider your needs, your budget and the tasks you will be accomplishing.

Then, when you know what you are looking for you can easily ask a professional which brand is the best one for you. We wish you good luck in your journey and don’t forget to wear safety equipment!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best hand tool brand?

It is hard to say which is the best hand tool brand. However, in our article today we have given you a list with the best options on the market. We know it may be hard to make a choice, that’s why we always advise to ask a professional. Good luck!

What is the highest quality tool brand?

We can not say which brand is the highest quality. However, we can list the 5 of them:

  • DeWalt
  • Makita
  • Milwaukee
  • Bosch
  • Ridgid

They are high quality tool brands, and they are more expensive than others.

What is the most important hand tool?

The most important tool depends on the task you will be accomplishing. However, the hammer is considered to be one of the most essential hand tools in a house, or in a workshop. 

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