Dear Dave,
Are the “professional-grade” power tools really worth the money? They sure demand a premium price. —Lance, 2023 GD Imagine
Dear Lance,
I have used almost every brand of power tool from the cheapest imported models to the set of DeWalts I have now, and there is a difference. However, it really depends on what you are using them for and how often to justify the higher price.
Growing up, we had basically only two choices, SKIL® and BLACK+DECKER®. I think maybe Stanley (now Stanley Black & Decker) was thrown in there for a few hand tools, but there wasn’t much in the way of professional tools. Then Makita®, Bosch, and a few others came out with professional grade tools, and then cordless, as well.
If memory serves me (and oftentimes it doesn’t), Ryobi had a line of professional-grade tools that were actually pretty good. However, the line they have now being offered at home improvement stores and even discount stores is pretty much an occasional homeowner use tool.
My job when the RV industry declined
When the RV industry dropped to almost nothing in 2010, I helped a friend run a company that made commercial pressure washers that were installed in fast food restaurants. We had three technicians with trucks and trailers full of parts and tools, and they all wanted professional-grade DeWalt or Milwaukee.
After leaving several $300+ tools at locations around the country, we replaced them with Craftsmen or Ryobi. They did not like those, but we preferred they leave a $100 tool behind, instead.
The consumer-grade products did not perform as well, especially the batteries, and they took all day to charge back up. The drills held up fairly well, but were not put through as much of a challenge as the side grinders, hammer drill, and reciprocating saw. Those seemed to burn out fairly quickly. We eventually replaced everything with Milwaukee, with the agreement that if they lost or left a tool, they would replace it at their expense.
Back to the business of RVs
When the company got sold and the RV industry picked up again, I went back to making videos, writing articles, and conducting seminars. I also took a complete set of Craftsmen and Ryobi cordless tools, as the new owner wanted nothing to do with them.
So I have almost every price point tool you can imagine, including a “Tool Shop” sliding compound miter saw purchased at Menards for a home remodel project. That saw cost me $100 and has gone through about six major home improvement projects and is still spinning away.
The only downside is the unit is not as precise on miters anymore, and you really need to use a angle meter to make sure you get the right cut. Fortunately, all my projects were fairly simple and it worked. I just can’t see paying $375 for a DeWalt for one project.
In addition, I own a set of DeWalt cordless tools, including a hammer drill, screw gun, oscillating tool, and 6.5” circular saw. I started out with the set of screw guns on sale for $99, but the battery cost more than that. Then I got the oscillating tool for Christmas, and added the saw when my Ryobi burned up.
Habitat For Humanity
I have been volunteering for Habitat For Humanity, and these tools have been vigorously tested and are outstanding. The batteries last forever and the power is amazing. One thing I do not like is the drills are designed in a manner that part of my hand rests on the directional tab or button and reverses while I am using it, so I have to be careful.
I have one set of Craftsmen that I keep at the office/shop for my videos. I have a set of Ryobi at my stepdaughter’s house as they have various Ryobi lawn equipment items and a ton of batteries, which we always seem to need. If one of my brothers, neighbors, or business associates needs borrow a tool, they get the Ryobi! Once again, I would rather they forgot to return a free tool than my $150 DeWalt.
The plus side of professional tools
The advantage of a commercial-grade tool is the durability, performance, and longevity. I have dropped almost every tool I own off the bench or even a wall, and the DeWalt has yet to surrender. The power is superior, especially when you are trying to cut through tough wood, drill through steel, or other projects that the consumer models would freeze up on. Most of that is due, I believe, to the battery power.
The DeWalts are brushless technology. Not only do they provide superior power, but also consistency and a smooth operation.
The only drawback, in my opinion, is the cost of not only the tool, but the battery. Also, the fact that you seem to need to purchase everything in that model.
Just this weekend I had to buy a new set of screw bits. For some reason, I just had to have the DeWalt variety pack and spent $15 more than a generic brand. However, I do believe they are made with better steel and precise tips and will last longer before getting deformed. That is why I had to buy new tips.
The plus side of consumer-grade tools
The price! If you are just using them occasionally, there is no need to spend 5x more for a tool and 10x more for the battery. Sorry, guys. You can delete this part if your wife wants to read the article!
If you are just doing a few handyman projects or even a one-off larger remodel, the cheaper tools will do the job. I have found that to be true with my Tool Shop saw and a side grinder from Harbor Freight.
You might also enjoy these posts from Dave
- What tools are still made in America?
- What tools should be in my RV’s toolbox?
- Twelve days of Christmas RV tools – Twelfth day: Klein multimeter kit (plus links to the first 11 days of recommended tools)
DAVE HAS ANSWERED MORE THAN 1,000 readers’ maintenance and repair questions. Read a directory here. There is so much to learn!
Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”
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Fully agree with Dave about how much you will use the tool. I have two battery packs for each power tool. I have found that unless you specifically buy bundled tools to share batteries, each tool’s battery is unique.
At our house I have a DeWalt drill/driver. At the big RV I have a Menard’s house brand that does everything the DeWalt does. In our little camper I have a no-name unit used mostly for stabilizer jacks but also have a small selection of bits for emergency repairs.
I use the same principle for non-powered hand tools.
Great response, Dave.
My son-in-law owns a Snap-On business. There’s a reason that people who are mechanics for a living buy these expensive tools! Not only are they way more durable and functional, in case something happens to them, the tool is covered by a lifetime warranty.
Me…I rarely buy them. Even though I do all my own DP maintenance, mid-range tools do the job for me. I tend to stay away from Tool Shop brand unless it’s a one-and-done job, but MasterCraft is good value.
I have borrowed some Snap On tools and they are definitely a top end tool! My SIL says guys in shops abuse the heck out of them using ratchets as pry bars, etc. and they take it.
For the once in a while use, a consumer grade tool is fine. I don’t do fine finished work.
I am trying to stick with one brand to advantage the batteries across several tools.