Is there a big difference in quality between different brands of power tools such as Dewalt, Ryobi, Milwaukee etc?

Ryobi seems to be mostly aimed at the homeowner market now. Nothing wrong with that, they’ll do the job for 90% of users. Just not great for the few who use their tools constantly.

The rest are all pretty close. This year this brand makes the best of this tool, next year another brand will be better at that tool, but the first brand will make another tool better.

I used to fix tools for Makita, and I already had some corded Makita tools. When I worked there I got into the cordless Makita though, so now I stick with them because of battery interchangeability and because I’m familiar with them. There have been some changes, but you can still use an old tool with a new battery. Also, I know how to fix them, so they last a little longer…like, forever.

The big brands also make homeowner tools…still great tools, but maybe not as powerful or rugged. Those tend to be cheaper, but there’s really nothing wrong with them.

Here’s a little hint for finish carpenters and woodworkers though: You don’t need the big professional drill. The homeowner version will do the job for you.

Framers and deck guys and steel roof guys and metal guys: You need the big professional drill, don’t cheap out.

Pig farmers: No tool is going to work if throw it in the shit pile and when you bring it in to get it fixed nobody wants to work on it.